G. Kleist, U. Schmitt
Characterisation of a Soft Rot-Like Decay Pattern Caused by Coniophora
puteana (Schum.) Karst. in Sapelli Wood (Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague)
Summary
The decay patterns of brown and soft rot fungi in Sapelli wood (Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague),
with respect to natural durability, were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy as well
as UV spectroscopy. Analyses revealed that the typical brown rot fungus Coniophora puteana can cause
a soft rot-like decay in the sapwood of Sapelli at high moisture contents of approx. 100%. In accordance
with the decay pattern of the typical soft rot fungus Chaetomium globosum, the hyphae of C. puteana
penetrated the S2 wall of fibres and formed characteristic rhomboidal cavities orientated parallel to the
microfibrillar angle. However, these cavities were larger in diameter (3.9 ?m ± 0.9) than those formed
by C. globosum (2.1 ?m ± 0.5) and with a distinct interspace between the hyphae and surrounding walls.
Hyphae of C. globosum were directly attached to the undecayed secondary wall. No lignin degradation
for both fungi in close vicinity to the cavities was observed, as evidenced by UV spectroscopy. The inclusion
of microscopy for definitive decay type identification is recommended.
Holzforschung, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 0018-3830
Volume: 55, 11/2001
Pages: 573 - 578
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