An integrated approach using Bacillus subtilis B26 and essential oils to limit fungal discoloration of wood

Bacillus subtilis and essential oils have been explored separately for their ability to limit colonization by wood stain and mold fungi, but neither approach has been completely effective. One alternative strategy would be to combine the bacterial biocontrol with one or more natural products extracts. In this report, the ability of combinations of B. subtilis B26 and 20 essential oils to limit fungal stain was explored on Douglas-fir sapwood wafers under controlled laboratory conditions. A number of extracts markedly improved the anti-fungal activity of B. subtilis B26, including 0.25% myrtlewood oil, 0.5% orange oil, 0.5% lime oil, and 1% Leyland cypress needles oil, which yielded improvements by 2 to 8 times. However, none of the combinations completely protected the wood from fungal attack. The results illustrate the difficulties associated with controlling the diverse array of organisms that can colonize freshly cut wood.