Mitigating the pine wood nematode and its insect vectors in transported coniferous wood

The pine wood nematode ~ B ~ 1 ~ c 1 ~ 1 e xyloplzil~~s) (PWN) has been intercepted in pine chips. unceasoned lumber and packing-case wood. Likehise. PWN insect vectors, Molzochnmus spp., have been found in pallets, crates, and dunnage. As a result of these interceptions and the known consequences of the introduction of the PWN. many countries regulate the import of coniferous wood. Science-based procedures are needed to ensure that globally transported wood is free of the PWN and its vectors. Mitigation measures that have been investigated include prevention. host selection, and treatment by f~~n~igat ion, irradiation, chemical dips. pressure treatment with preservatives, and elevated temperature. A mill certification programme for lumber (no bark. no grub holes) ic rational, but has not got much support. Air-drying wood to its eq~~ilibrium oisture content will eliminate the PWN. Switching to hardwood lumber for wood packing material is a short-term solution. Irradiation and dipping wood in borates have shown little promise. The efficacy of pressure-treating green pine lumber with chromated copper arsenate has been shown. Pine chips can be fumigated with phosphine. Logs, lumber, and wood packing material can be fumigated with methyl bromide. Heating coniferous wood to a core temperature of 60°C will eradicate the PWN and its \ ectors.