Biological control of decay in Douglas Fir poles -- seven years perspective.

Ten, creosote treated, Douglas-fir poles infected with Poria carbonica at the ground line zone were inoculated artificially with Scytalidium sp. FY strain in January 1967. FY became established in the poles. One pole was set aside for comprehensive sampling and thirty-six samples were taken from the ground line zone of it seven years later (January 1974). One sample yielded live FY, 2 samples yielded bacteria, 9 samples showed scanty fungal growth and 24 samples yielded no microorganisms. None of the 36 samples showed advanced decay or Poria carbonica. These observations are consistent with the mechanical condition of the wood in the other 9 poles inoculated with FY after decay had begun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]