Characteristics and utilization of post-mountain pine beetle wood in solid wood products.

British Columbia is in the midst of the largest outbreak of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk. [Coleoptera: Scolytidae]) ever recorded in western Canada. Mature lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia) trees form the bulk of the trees under attack. The mountain pine beetle carries several specific blue stain fungi that decrease wood moisture content and weaken tree defense mechanisms, eventually leading to tree death. Blue stain develops quickly in the sapwood of dying trees. It appears in products made from stained logs, affecting what products can be made and profitably sold. Infested trees also dry and develop splits and checks as the drying stresses are relieved. The physical condition of the wood affects how it can be processed. This chapter discusses current knowledge of the properties of post-mountain pine beetle wood, its use and marketing. It draws upon information from the literature and current research in Canada that pertains to properties of blue stained and dead wood. Implications for use of post-mountain pine beetle wood for various products are discussed, significant data gaps are identified, and recommendations are made for research to bridge these gaps.