Azole-based antimycotic agents inhibit mold on unseasoned pine

Inhibiting the growth of mold fungi on cellulose-based building materials may be achievable through the use of azole-based antimycotics. Azoles were variably effective against mold fungi that are frequently found on wood and wood products. Unseasoned southern yellow pine specimens that were dip-treated with varying concentrations of eight azoles were evaluated for their ability to resist mold infestation when challenged with Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Trichoderma viride spores. Minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFC90) were determined to be 0.016% for thiabendazole and 0.043% for voriconazole, the most efficacious azoles against the challenge fungi. We conclude that thiabendazole or voriconazole may be used alone or in combination to inhibit mold fungi on unseasoned pine. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.