Open access publications in the SLU publication database

Abstract

The cellulolytic activity and wood-degrading ability of 160 different species of microfungi, mostly wood-inhabiting, have been investigated. The cellulolytic activity was determined by a cellulose clearing method. 109 of the species showed cellulolytic activity. The wood-degrading ability was determined microscopically on sections from decayed wood blocks. The attack on three hardwoods and two softwoods was examined. Most studies were performed with birch wood which was used as a "standard wood" for comparisons. Two morphologically distinct types of attack were observed, Type I (cavity formation) and Type 2 (erosion of cell walls). 120 of the tested species were found capable of degrading birch wood. These species could be classified into three groups with respect to their decay patterns, 1) species producing only Type I attack; 2) species producing only Type 2; 3) species producing both types of attack. The cavity-forming species formed cavities in both hardwoods and softwoods. All the species which produced Type 2 or Type I+Type 2 attack in birch wood showed cellulolytic activity in the cellulose clearing test. Fifteen of the twenty-three species which only produced Type I attack, failed to produce clearing. The decay capacity (weight losses) of the wood-degrading species was also studied.