Hong, S.-C., Park, H., Ka, K., & Kang, K.-S. (2024). Effect of Lubricant Used in Chainsaw Operations on Mycelial Growth of Tricholoma matsutake (S. Ito & S. Imai) Singer. Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science, 113(4), 422–428. https://doi.org/10.14578/JKFS.2024.113.4.422
Abstract
The decline in pine mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) production is closely linked to the aging of pine forests. Aged forests that produce T. matsutake can be managed to maintain productivity through forest tending practices. However, unfounded concerns regarding oil emission during forest practices hinder the management of pine forests, further decreasing the production of T. matsutake. This study assessed the amount of lubricant emission during forest practices and determined whether the emissions are harmful to T. matsutake growth. Three types of lubricants were selected: two commonly used chain oils (mineral chain oil and biochain oil) and one synthetic engine oil. The oil emissions were quantified by measuring the amount of lubricant that scatters and drips during chainsaw operation. Then, the amounts of oil that are deposited onto the soil and that penetrate the soil were calculated through a simulation of the forest tending operation. Based on the calculated amount of oil, three concentration levels were selected, and their inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of T. matsutake were evaluated. According to the simulation results, we applied mineral chain oils at 8.16, 4.08, and 1.36 nl/l; synthetic engine oils at 7.98, 3.99, and 1.33 nl/l; and biochain oils at 8.52, 4.26, and 1.42 nl/l. To assess the effects on mycelial growth, we prepared a T. matsutake solid medium with and without oils. No significant effects on T. matsutake growth were observed. These results suggest that the perceived risks of oil emissions during forest practices may be unfounded. This finding could alter perspectives on forest practices, particularly those related to T. matsutake production, potentially leading to increased mushroom production.