ASTM D4445-23 PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM D4445-23 — Standard Test Method for Fungicides for Controlling Sapstain and Mold on Unseasoned Lumber (Laboratory Method). This laboratory test method describes procedures to determine the minimum concentration of a fungicide or fungicide formulation required to prevent sapstain fungi and mold growth on unseasoned sapwood specimens under controlled conditions.

Abstract

ASTM D4445-23 specifies preparation and treatment of unseasoned sapwood specimens (spray or immersion), inoculation with sapstain and mold fungi (individual or mixed spore suspensions), incubation, and a scoring/evaluation procedure used to determine the minimum effective treatment concentration that produces no visible fungal growth (CGo). The procedure is intended as a laboratory screening method for fungicide effectiveness.

General information

• Status: Active / Current (revised edition published 2023).
• Publication date: April 15, 2023 (designation D4445-23).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 79.040 — Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber (wood-treatment and preservative testing).
• Edition / version: D4445-23 (current revision; replaces earlier D4445 editions including D4445-10(2019)).
• Number of pages: 5 pages (concise laboratory procedure).

Scope

This laboratory test method is used to determine the minimum concentration of a fungicide or fungicide formulation effective in preventing biodeterioration by sapstain fungi and molds on selected species of unseasoned sapwood. The standard covers specimen treatment (spray or immersion), inoculation with defined fungal cultures or mixed spore suspensions, incubation and assessment of surface growth to identify the concentration giving zero visible growth (CGo). It is intended as a screening/laboratory method; field performance may require additional evaluation.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen selection and preparation — unseasoned sapwood specimens from selected species.
• Treatment application — spray or immersion in fungicide solutions/dispersions at multiple concentration levels.
• Inoculation — options for single-fungus or mixed spore suspensions to challenge treated specimens.
• Incubation conditions — controlled temperature and humidity for fungal development and assessment.
• Evaluation criteria — visual scoring of surface fungal growth and determination of minimum concentration giving zero growth (CGo).
• Referenced test methods and terminology — incorporates/refs standards such as Terminology D9, Nomenclature D1165, Reagent Water D1193, and related fungal-defacement tests (e.g., D5590).
• Use as a laboratory screening method — intended to identify candidate formulations and concentrations for further testing or field trials.

Typical use and users

Common users include wood-preservative and fungicide manufacturers, independent and commercial testing laboratories, lumber producers and treaters, research organizations studying wood protection, and regulatory or quality-control personnel who need a standardized laboratory screening method for sapstain and mold control on unseasoned lumber.

Related standards

ASTM D4445-23 references and is used alongside other ASTM standards for wood and biological testing, notably Terminology D9, Nomenclature of Commercial Hardwoods and Softwoods D1165, Reagent Water D1193, and fungal-defacement test methods such as D5590. It is maintained under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood (Subcommittee D07.06 — Treatments for Wood Products) and replaces earlier editions of D4445.

Keywords

sapstain, mold, fungicide, unseasoned lumber, sapwood, laboratory test, CGo (zero-growth concentration), wood preservatives, ASTM, D4445-23.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4445-23 is a laboratory test method that defines procedures for evaluating fungicides (and formulations) to control sapstain and mold on unseasoned lumber, determining the minimum effective concentration that prevents visible growth.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, treatment application (spray or immersion), inoculation with selected fungi or mixed spore suspensions, incubation, visual assessment of fungal growth, and the determination of the minimum concentration producing no visible growth (CGo).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of wood preservatives and fungicides, independent testing laboratories, lumber treaters, researchers, and quality-control or regulatory staff who require a standardized laboratory screening method for sapstain and mold control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D4445-23 edition is the current (2023) revision and supersedes earlier editions (for example, D4445-10 and reapproved variants). The 2023 revision was published April 15, 2023.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee D07’s body of standards covering wood and wood-product testing and treatments; it is closely related to other D07 methods and terminology standards used in wood-preservation and biological-testing programs.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sapstain, mold, fungicide, unseasoned lumber, sapwood, laboratory test, CGo, wood preservatives, ASTM D4445-23.