Moisture and blue stain distribution in mountain pine beetle infested lodgepole pine trees and industrial implications

Healthy lodgepole pine trees and trees at three stages (green, red and grey) of infestation by mountain pine beetles (MPB) were examined for moisture and blue-stain distribution in the radial and longitudinal directions. The sapwood moisture content of trees dropped about 100% from the healthy stage while the heartwood moisture dropped about 10%, regardless of green, red or grey attack stages. Moisture content variation with tree height was unique up to the time since beetle attack. The volume of blue stain increased with increasing time since beetle attack. Maximum discolouration in wood occurred at about 3 m above ground level and expanded rapidly upward. Lumber sawn and tracked from the MPB attacked logs showed a decrease in moisture content with increasing time since beetle attack, indicating the need for specific drying schedules employing lower energy levels. The economic implication of the effect of blue stain was evaluated by the percentage of Japanese grade (J-grade) lumber produced. The J-grade lumber yield decreased with increasing time since beetle attack. Early harvest and conversion of MPB infected trees will positively impact product value and recovery.