Comparative natural durability of four Mediterranean softwoods against wood decay fungi

Abstract

Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica Manetti), thuya (Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters), Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.), maritime pine (Pinus pinaster var atlantica Ait) are among important Mediterranean coniferous species that provide softwood round timber. Atlas cedar and thuya are well known for their noble timber used in ebinestry and marquetry while those of the two pines are mainly used as wood service. The natural durability is an important property of wood regarding performance and service life. The present work is conducted to assess the natural durability of these woods against wood destroying fungi, in laboratory test, according to the methods described in the European standards, CEN/TS 15083-1 and NF EN 350-1. Mass losses of wood specimens, after 16 weeks of exposure to fungi attack, showed that C. atlantica and T. articulata woods are very durable to durable against wood-decay fungi attack. Such natural durability allows these woods to access the risk classes of biological attacks 4 and 5 (high risk) for end-use without preservative treatment, while P. halepensis and P. pinaster var atlantica woods, classified as less to none durable, must be treated before use at high risk classes circumstances.