Abstract
In Brazil, the growth of Tectona grandis (teak) plantations is accompanied by an increased incidence of Ceratocystis wilt, a fungal disease that colonizes the vascular system of such tree. The objective of this work was to evaluate the properties of teak wood infected with Ceratocystis fimbriata at different radial positions. Ten 17-year-old trees (five infected and five healthy) were collected. A disk was removed from the base of each tree to determine Janka hardness, basic density, anatomical analysis, colorimetric parameters in the CIEL*a*b* system and sodium hydroxide solubility (NaOH). There were no significant differences for radial position and health for basic density and Janka hardness of the wood, with mean values of 0.488 g.cm3 and 58.66 MPa, respectively. The deposition of dark compounds was observed inside the parenchyma cells and fibers, as well as the formation of tyloses in the sapwood. Yellow pigment was predominant in the color formation of teak wood, which was influenced by radial position, with the sapwood being lighter. Regarding C. fimbriata infection, the color change was more evident in sapwood. Conversely, the NaOH solubility was lower for the sapwood attacked by the fungus. In conclusion, the changes in teak wood infected by C. fimbriata are visual and the anatomical structures do not deteriorate.
Highlights
Fungi of the genus Ceratocystis are widely distributed geographically and cause serious diseases to various plants in tropical, subtropical and temperate climates (NASUTION et al, 2019)
This is true for Tectona grandis Linn F., teak, which originates from Southeast Asia and is one of the most valuable woods in the international market (ARIAS; MONTEUUIS, 2013), and was first recorded with a C. fimbriata infection by Firmino et al (2012)
Fungi of the genus Ceratocystis are classified as staining fungi (CARVALHO et al, 2018), they do not degrade the cell wall of the fibers and the physical-mechanical properties of wood with this type of fungus do not change significantly
Summary
Fungi of the genus Ceratocystis are widely distributed geographically and cause serious diseases to various plants in tropical, subtropical and temperate climates (NASUTION et al, 2019). The fungus colonizes the vascular system, which obstructs the raw sap flow and disease development is associated with wood discoloration in the form of dark spots, wilting and leaf yellowing, as well as to canker (TUMURA et al, 2012; FERREIRA et al, 2013). According to Ferreira et al (2013), the fungus C. fimbriata is native to Brazil and most of its woody host species are exotic. This is true for Tectona grandis Linn F., teak, which originates from Southeast Asia and is one of the most valuable woods in the international market (ARIAS; MONTEUUIS, 2013), and was first recorded with a C. fimbriata infection by Firmino et al (2012). Since the teak wood used in products needs to meet high-quality standards, forestry treatments are needed throughout the rotation cycle since cuts and injuries caused by pruning can become fungus infection sites
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