Increasing the economic value of non-commercial wood species through induced fungal pigmentation systems

This research proposes to investigate spalting (natural wood pigmentation by fungi) as a method for creating value-added wood products. Specifically, this research will focus on the development of creating naturally colored wood for commercial applications, as well as increasing the value of blue stained pine wood inadvertently produced by the mountain pine beetle. Industry benefits from this research include an increased value to both low and high value lumber produced by the company, and gaining a foothold into the newly developing market for spalted wood – a market in which very few industries are currently engaged.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Paul Cooper

Student:

Sara Robinson

Partner:

Discipline:

Forestry

Sector:

Forestry

University:

University of Toronto

Program: