Determination of antifungal and antibacterial activities of black mulberry (<i>Morus nigra</i>) administered on the surface of oriental beech (<i>Fagus orientalis</i> L.) and Scots pine (<i>Pinus sylvestris</i> L.)

Until the invention of synthetic colours, plant- and animal-based colouring agents, known as "natural dyes," were used. Considering the harmful effects of synthetic colouring agents on the environment, the importance of natural dyes and the reasons why they should be used have become clear. In this study, the objective was to investigate the protective effect of extracts obtained from black mulberry fruit on wood, and to determine their antimicrobial properties. The study aimed to determine the antifungal and antibacterial activities of a natural dye obtained from black mulberry using an ultrasonic method and administered to oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) using dipping and ultrasonic techniques. In decay experiments, the control solutions administered through the ultrasonic method to both tree samples displayed resistance towards the white decay fungus. The black mulberry and aluminium sulphate mixture administered to oriental beech through the ultrasonic method was found to be effective against the brown decay fungus. A black mulberry and aluminium sulphate solution inhibited the spread of antimicrobial activity. When black mulberry extract was combined with mordants, it could be used as a wood preservative and coating.