Tinea capitis, as it’s more scientifically known, is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist conditions and typically arise due to poor hygiene.

Therefore the stains in wood infected by mold and blue-stain fungi were supposed to be due to the presence of melanins secreted by these fungi.

Since Mongolian Scotch Pine is easily infected by mold and sapstain fungi, a preservative, TBQ, was prepared following development of the treating equipment by the authors.