TR-1 Minimising market-limiting discolouration: Biotic and chemical testing

This report is part of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation’s (NIPFI) project: NT046 / NIF107 Minimising market-limiting discolouration in appearance Tasmanian hardwood.

Production-induced board discolouration such as stain and ‘sticker mark’ can occur regularly in appearance hardwood production. Currently, market-limiting discolouration of appearance boards can lead to an industry-estimated loss of up to $1m per annum to the Tasmanian native hardwood value chain. If continuing, stain evident at project commencement in plantation hardwood had the potential to reduce the value of Tasmanian public managed plantation estate significantly. Discolouration agents are diverse, and varying management approaches are required. Agents such as a form of ‘blue stain’ fungus, are well understood and effective management techniques are available. Agents that lead to other discolouration such as sticker mark are more complex and reliable management options are less clear.

It is the second of two technical reports and a PhD thesis for this project. The first report TR-S1 provides a summary of the project and its findings while this technical report TR-1 details the methodology and results of the biotic and chemical laboratory testing. The PhD thesis of the higher degree research student associated with the project, Mr David Rhys Tanton, is due in early 2024.