Abstract
Eight fungal species known to produce wood pigmentation were tested for reaction to various moisture contents in two hardwood species. Fungal pigmentation by Trametes versicolor and Xylaria polymorpha was stimulated at low water concentrations in both Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and Fagus grandifolia (American beech), while Inonotus hispidus and Polyporus squamosus were stimulated above 22-28% and 34-38% moisture content in beech and in sugar maple respectively. Fomes fomentarius and Polyporus brumalis produced maximum pigmentation in beech at 26 - 41% and in sugar maple at 59 - 96% moisture content. The pink staining Scytalidium cuboideum pigmented both wood species at above 35% moisture content. This research indicates that controlling the moisture content values of wood substrates can stimulate the intensity of pigmentation of specific fungi when spalting wood for decorative and commercial purpose.
Highlights
Spalted wood is considered a value added product and can be produced by selected fungal inoculation of the wood substrate to create unique patterns (Robinson et al 2007), and its considerable artistic and economic value is already established (Nicholls 2002; Donovan and Nicholls 2003a,b)
It is established that optimal fungal growth is achieved at 35–50 % moisture content (MC) on a dry weight basis, with a minimum required of 20–30 % necessary for fungal development; the values vary for different fungal species and inhabited wood substrates
This study investigates the direct influence of moisture content of specific wood substrates on fungal pigmentation, and the results are important for manipulating fungal pigmentation for spalting production
Summary
Spalted wood is considered a value added product and can be produced by selected fungal inoculation of the wood substrate to create unique patterns (Robinson et al 2007), and its considerable artistic and economic value is already established (Nicholls 2002; Donovan and Nicholls 2003a,b). Wood moisture content (MC) is one of the most important conditions that influence fungal behavior and wood colonization patterns (Boddy 1983b). Cartwright and Findlay (1958) mention the ability of some fungal mycelium to survive below the fiber saturation point moisture content (26- 27% of the dry weight for most wood species), while spores, as well as mycelium of several fungal species, can survive for many years in dry condition (Schmidt 2006). Very high wood moisture content inhibits fungal activity in wood substrate by limiting the quantity of the oxygen available in wood, preventing degradation (Cartwright and Findlay 1958; Boddy 1983a,b)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
