Abstract

The natural durability of larch wood is described as being highly variable, ranging from non-durable to durable. In this study, FT-NIR spectroscopy was investigated for its ability to predict the natural durability of commercially available larch wood. Samples originated from approximately 60 European and 25 Siberian larch trees, provided by three Austrian-based wood industries. Natural durability tests were performed using the test fungi Gloeophyllum trabeum and Coniophora puteana. FT-NIR spectra were recorded and average spectra were calculated for calibration modelling. The models were strong [R² (CV)=70.7–95.19, RMSEP=0.063–0.026] and showed better suitability with spectra acquired from radial surfaces compared to those from axial surfaces. The prediction model was valid across larch species (European and Siberian), so that exact knowledge of the growth and site conditions was not required.