Dacryopinax Spathularia Research Articles

Makrofungi Resisten Merkuri (Hg)

This study aims to identify types of macrofungi that are resistant to the presence of Hg in their environment. The method used is survey research by exploring mushrooms in the area around the Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM). Tambang Sawah Village, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Data findings were analyzed by descriptive qualitative. The results showed that the types of macrofungi that were able to survive Hg stress were Ganoderma applanatum, Dacryopinax spathularia, Daldinia concentrica, Ganoderma lucidum and Polyporus alveolaris. In conclusion, five types of macrofungi that are adaptive to mercury (Hg) were found. The highest Hg accumulation was found in D. concentrica.

Genome assembly of the edible jelly fungus Dacryopinax spathularia (Dacrymycetaceae).

The edible jelly fungus Dacryopinax spathularia (Dacrymycetaceae) is wood-decaying and can be commonly found worldwide. It has found application in food additives, given its ability to synthesize long-chain glycolipids, among other uses. In this study, we present the genome assembly of D. spathularia using a combination of PacBio HiFi reads and Omni-C data. The genome size is 29.2Mb. It has high sequence contiguity and completeness, with a scaffold N50 of 1.925Mb and a 92.0% BUSCO score. A total of 11,510 protein-coding genes and 474.7 kb repeats (accounting for 1.62% of the genome) were predicted. The D. spathularia genome assembly generated in this study provides a valuable resource for understanding their ecology, such as their wood-decaying capability, their evolutionary relationships with other fungi, and their unique biology and applications in the food industry.

Natural glycolipids inhibits certain yeasts and lactic acid bacteria pertinent to the spoilage of shelf stable beverages

The public health concern around artificial preservatives in food and beverage has contributed to the rising demand for clean-label products, which inevitably require changes in formulation and processing of existing products. Natural glycolipids (NG), derived from Dacryopinax spathularia, is a novel naturally derived preservative shown to be highly inhibitory against spoilage yeasts, Gram-positive bacteria, and to a lesser extent molds. The inhibitory effect of NG against major spoilage microorganisms was determined in acidified beverages (iced tea and sparkling beverage containing fruit juice). Three-strain suspensions of yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces bailii and Candida parapsilosis), bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis and Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens) and fungal spores (Aspergillus brasiliensis, Byssochlamys nivea and Penicillium roqueforti) were inoculated (100 CFU/mL per species) in commercial beverages. NG was added to beverages at low concentrations ranging from 5 to 15 ppm. Additionally, the combination of NG and dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) was tested in the still beverage. The efficacies of NG and NG + DMDC were compared to treatment with 250 ppm sodium benzoate (SB) as determined by log reduction after beverage samples were maintained for 12 weeks at ambient temperature. The applied NG concentrations were lethal to lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts, thus capable of protecting the beverages from microbiological spoilage for 12 weeks; NG was more effective than SB, which resulted in microbial growth comparable to the control (untreated) samples. NG exhibited mildly microstatic properties against acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and fungal spores. While NG + DMDC treatments improved the inhibition of yeasts and bacteria, there was no observable effect on fungal spores. This study demonstrated that NG can be used alone or combined with DMDC to prevent spoilage in beverages maintained at ambient temperature.

Safety evaluation of long-chain glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia.

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion on the safety of long‐chain glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia (also called AM‐1) as a food additive. AM‐1 is a purified mixture of long‐chain glycolipid congeners obtained by fermentation of the edible non‐genetically modified fungus Dacryopinax spathularia. AM‐1 glycolipids have very low oral bioavailability and overall available toxicology data do not demonstrate any adverse effects of the proposed food additive. Considering the available data set the Panel established an ADI of 10 mg/kg bw per day based on a range of NOAELs between 1,000 and 1,423 mg/kg bw per day (the highest doses tested), from the reproductive and a prenatal developmental toxicity studies in rats and 90‐day studies in rat and dog. At the proposed maximum use levels, the exposure estimates ranged at the mean from 0.01 to 1.07 mg/kg bw per day and at the p95 from 0 to 3.1 mg/kg mg/kg bw per day. At the proposed typical use levels, the exposure estimates ranged at the mean from < 0.01 mg/kg bw per day to 0.23 mg/kg bw per day and at the p95 from 0 to 0.64 mg/kg bw per day. The Panel noted that the highest estimate of exposure of 3.1 mg/kg bw per day (in toddlers) is within the established ADI of 10 mg/kg bw per day and concluded that the exposure to long‐chain glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia does not raise a safety concern at the uses and use levels proposed by the applicant.

The Diversity of Macroscopic Mushroom at Muhammad Sabki City Forest Park in Jambi City

The diversity of Indonesia’s flora is shown by the richness of its tropical forests. One of the biodiversities is mushroom of which type is estimated to be 200.000. The aim of the study is to distinguish the diversity of macroscopic mushroom at the forest city park of Muhammad Sabki, Jambi City. This is a descriptive exploratory research by applying a sampling technique through exploring the founded mushrooms and laid the plots randomly. The data are collected by observing, making herbariums, documenting, and identifying the samples. The finding shows that there are 13 species of mushrooms from 2 divisions and 8 families. Basidiomycota division consists of 7 families namely Ganodermataceae, Agaricaceae, Polyporaceae, Dacrymycetaceae, Auriculariaceae, Tremellaceae, and Maramiaseaceae. Whereas, the Ascomycota division has 1 family called Xylariaceae. The types of mushroom founds are Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat, Ganoderma sp.,Paxillus sp, Pycnoporus sp, Lentinus strigosus Fr., Lentinus sajor-caju, (Fr.) Fr., Tyromyces chioneus (P.) P.Karst, Dacryopinax spathularia (Schwein.) GW.Martin, Auricularia auricular (Fr.) J.Schrot., Tremella fuciformis Berkeley, Marasmius candidus (Bolt.) Fr., Marasmius glabellus Peck., Daldinia concentric (Bolton) Caesati & de Notaris. The diversity index figure at the research setting is said to be moderate with an index number of 2.63.

Catatan Diversitas Jamur di Salah Satu Pulau Terluar Republik Indonesia

Marore Island (Province of North Sulawesi) is one of the outermost island in Indonesia. The island is located at the borderline within the Philippines. Till date, there is no publication about islands macrofungi diversity from this island. In fact, the diversity of macrofungi has the potency to support the development of global bioeconomic in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to make an inventory list of macrofungi on Marore Island in order to enhance the potential in the future. A total was of 22 mushrooms from 13 genera were obtained from this study which were divided into two phylums, namely Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. The identification results confirmed the species obtained: Ganoderma sp.1, Ganoderma sp.2, Ganoderma sp.3, Ganoderma sp.4, Ganoderma sp.5, Ganoderma sp.6, Trametes sp.1, Trametes sp.2, Trametes sp.3, Pycnoporus sp.1, Pycnoporus sp.2, Polyporus sp., Daedalea sp., Lentinus sp., Marasmius sp.1, Marasmius sp.2, Schizophyllum sp., Panellus sp., Tricholoma sp., Phallus sp., Dacryopinax spathularia, and Daldinia sp.

KERAGAMAN JAMUR PADA LOG DAN KAYU GERGAJIAN NYATOH (Palaquium sp)

Wood is one medium that can be a place to grow fungus. The chemical components forming wood in the form of holocellulose and lignin which can be overhauled by fungi into simple compounds are a food source for the fungus. This study aims to identify the type of fungus that grows on the log and or sawn wood of Palaquium sp so that it can provide information about the diversity of fungal species, both useful and those that are pathogenic. The process of identifying mushrooms is done by observing the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the fungus. The macroscopic characteristics observed were mushroom color and mushroom fruit body shape. Observations of microscopic features include hyphae, spores, sporangium, conidia, and conidiophores. Macroscopic and microscopic observations identified eight types of fungi that grow on real wood, namely Dacryopinax spathularia, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Schizophyllum commune, Cunninghamella echinulata, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Absidia ramosa and Aspergillus. There are six types of fungi which are wood rot fungi, namely D. spathularia; P. sanguineus; S. commune; Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Aspergillus. The other two types are coloring fungi, namely C. echinulata and A. ramosa.

Improvement of renal profile in Gentamicin-induced Nephrotoxicity in albino wistar rats by edible macrofungi Dacryopinax spathularia and Schizophyllum commune

he present work has been taken to assess the pharmacological efficacy of two edible macrofungi Dacryopinax spathularia and Schizophyllum commune in the improvement of renal profile of Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino wistar rats. The intra-peritoneal administration of gentamicin 80 mg/Kg Body Weight per day had resulted in alterations in renal function and renal damage which was reflected by abnormal and significant (p=0.05) increase in renal function parameters of blood like Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). On administration of high dose (500 mg/Kg BW) of D. Spathularia extract to the nephrotoxic group of rats the concentration of urea, creatinine, uric acid and BUN significantly decreased from 104.26±7.45 to 76.27±7.24, 1.17±0.43 to 0.68±0.47, 3.68±1.34 to 2.58±0.56 and 48.72±4.36 to 31.14±3.76 respectively, in comparison to the nephrotoxic group of rats. On the other hand, the administration of high dose (500 mg/Kg BW) of S. commune extract to the nephrotoxic group of rats resulted into significant (p=0.05) decrease in the concentration of urea, creatinine, uric acid and BUN, from 104.26±7.45 to 51.42±6.15, 1.17±0.43 to 0.62±0.14, 3.68±1.34 to 2.36±0.74 and 48.72±4.36 to 28.65±3.85 respectively, in comparison to the nephrotoxic group of rats. The results also revealed that S. commune extract showed comparatively more efficacy in the renal profile improvement of nephrotoxic rats in comparison to the D. spathularia extract.

Hepatoprotective efficacy of edible macrofungi Dacryopinax spathularia (Schwein) and Schizophyllum commune (Fries) against Carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in albino Wistar rats

In the present study the hepatoprotective efficacy of two edible macrofungi Dacryopinax spathularia and Schizophyllum commune has been assessed against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in albino wistar rats. The administration of CCl4(1ml/Kg) resulted into significant (p&lt;0.05) rise in the levels of liver function marker enzymes Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin and decrease in the levels of total protein and albumin in blood. On administration of low dose (250mg/Kg) and high dose (500mg/Kg) of both macrofungal extracts in different hepatotoxic group of rats, the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin significantly (p&lt;0.05) lowered down and the levels of total protein and albumin significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased in comparison to the hepatotoxic group of rats, reflecting the hepatoprotective impact of both the extracts.

Genetic toxicity studies of glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia

A series of in vitro studies were conducted to assess the genetic toxicity of jelly mushroom glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia (herein referred to as “AM-1“). In the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test), there was no evidence of mutagenic activity in any Salmonella typhimurium strains tested or in Escherichia coli strain WP2uvrA, at dose levels up to 5000 μg/plate. In the micronucleus (MN) test using human lymphocytes, AM-1 did not show a statistically significant increase in the number of binucleated cells containing micronuclei when compared to concurrent control cultures at all time points and at any of the concentrations analyzed (up to 900 μg/ml of culture medium). No increase in mutation frequency or numbers of small and large colonies were noted for AM-1 (up to 800 μg/ml) compared to concurrent controls when tested in the mouse lymphoma thymidine kinase assay (MLA). Therefore, AM-1 was concluded to be negative in all three assays performed both in the absence and presence of Aroclor 1254- or phenobarbital/ß-naphthoflavone-induced rat liver (S9 mix) for metabolic activation. These results support the safety assessment of jelly mushroom glycolipids for potential use in food.

&lt;b&gt;Contribution to the Macromycetes of West Bengal, India: 23–27&lt;/b&gt;

The present article reports five heterobasidiomycetous taxa, viz., Dacryopinax spathularia (Dacrymycetaceae), Exidia glandulosa, Pseudohydnum gelatinosum (Exidiaceae), Tremella fuciformis, and T. mesenterica (Tremellaceae), based on collections made from West Bengal, India, with their morpho-anatomical details. Dacryopinax spathularia is reported from Odisha and Uttar Pradesh while Tremella fuciformis and T. mesenterica are reported from Chhattisgarh.

Developmental and reproduction toxicity studies of glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia

The developmental and reproduction toxicity potential of jelly mushroom glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia was studied in Crl:CD (SD) rats by daily oral gavage administration at doses of 150, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day. Pregnant female rats in the developmental study received the test article from Gestation Days 6–19. F0 and F1 parental animals in the 2-generation reproduction toxicity study were dosed for a minimum of 70 days prior to mating and throughout mating, gestation, and lactation, until the day prior to euthanasia (following weaning of litters on postnatal day 21). The offspring of the F0 and F1 generations were potentially exposed to the test article in utero and via the milk while nursing. In the developmental study, there were no adverse effects on intrauterine growth and survival, or fetal morphology. In the 2-generation reproduction toxicity study, there were no adverse effects on observed parameters including macroscopic or microscopic findings, or organ weights for F0 or F1 animals, no effects on reproductive performance, and no test article-related effects on F1 and F2 postnatal survival, development, or growth. Therefore, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for parental systemic toxicity, parental reproductive toxicity, and developmental/neonatal toxicity, was considered to be 1000 mg/kg/day, the highest dosage tested.

Pharmacokinetics, excretion balance, and tissue distribution of [14C]-labeled glycolipids and long chain fatty acids from Dacryopinax spathularia in rats

The pharmacokinetics, excretion balance, and tissue distribution of [14C]-labeled glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia (herein referred to as “AM-1”) and [14C]-LCFA equivalents following single or repeated administration to Sprague Dawley rats were evaluated to support the safety assessment of these naturally derived jelly mushroom glycolipids for use as a food ingredient. Rats received equimolar doses of either [14C]-AM-1 or [14C]-LCFA via oral or intravenous administration followed by collection of biological samples at specified intervals. Approximately 88%–101% of the administered dose was recovered in expired air, urine, feces, and carcass following single or repeated oral administration of [14C]-AM-1 at 100 mg/kg or equimolar doses of [14C]-LCFA at 46 mg/kg. Cmax and AUClast for [14C]-AM-1- and [14C]-LCFA-equivalents-derived radioactivity detected by quantitative whole body autoradiography was highest in the tissues of the GI tract, as expected following oral administration. The remaining tissues had low concentrations of test article equivalents relative to the administered dose and no target tissues for residence or accumulation were identified. AM-1 and LCFA are poorly absorbed by the oral route and are primarily eliminated in the feces without absorption. Oral bioavailability of both AM-1 and LCFA including their metabolites is low at approximately 11%.

A 90-day oral toxicity study of glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia in Beagle dogs

The subchronic toxicity of glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia (herein referred to as “AM-1”) was studied in male and female Beagle dogs administered AM-1 by oral capsule at doses of 150, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day for 90 days. AM-1 was well tolerated at all dosages and there were no test article-related effects on survival, clinical observations, neurological screening (functional observational battery) parameters, clinical pathology parameters, organ weights, macroscopic or microscopic evaluations. Test article-related changes were limited to minimal effects on food consumption and body weight changes in the 1000 mg/kg/day group females. Therefore, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was considered to be 1000 mg/kg/day, the highest dosage level tested. These results add to the safety database for these naturally derived jelly mushroom glycolipids with potential for use as a food ingredient.

A 90-day oral toxicity study of glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia in CD® rats

The subchronic toxicity of jelly mushroom glycolipids from Dacryopinax spathularia (herein referred to as “AM-1”) was studied in Crl:CD(SD) rats. The test item was administered via the drinking water at concentrations of 1.5, 5.0 or 15 mg/mL for 90 days with an additional 4-week recovery period. No test article-related deaths, clinical observations or neurological effects were noted. Decreased drinking water consumption for mid- and high-dose groups was attributable to the reduced palatability of drinking water containing higher test article concentrations. Mean body weights of high-dose males were slightly reduced beginning study week 1 due to decreased food and drinking water intake, but were not statistically significant by week 7. No test article-related adverse effects were noted for hematological or clinical chemistry, or urinalysis parameters. Statistically significant changes in select parameters were within historical control data ranges, lacked histopathological correlates, and did not occur in a consistent pattern that would suggest biological significance. Microscopic examination did not reveal any test article-related morphological changes. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was considered to be 15 mg/mL (1201 and 1423 mg AM-1/kg bw/day for male and female rats, respectively). These results support the safety assessment of jelly mushroom glycolipids for potential use in food.

Macrofungi on the coastal sand dunes of south-western India

This paper documents the distribution and diversity of macrofungi in coastal sand dunes characterized by less, moderate and severe disturbance regimes of the south-western India. Diversity was higher in moderately disturbed dunes compared to less or severely disturbed dunes. Among the 38 macrofungi recovered, ten, six, two and one species were edible, ectomycorrhizal, medicinal and considered to be of decorative value, respectively. Ten macrofungi were dominant (≥5 fruit bodies/625 m 2 ) on the coastal sand dunes. These were Amanita sp., Collybia dryophila var. extuberans, C. fusipes, Coprinus plicatilis, Dacryopinax spathularia, Lactarius sp., Lentinus squarrosulus, Marasmius kisangensis, Marasmius sp. 2 and Scleroderma citrinum). The coastal sand dunes are under severe anthropogenic pressure, especially urbanization, sand extraction, agricultural activities and seawall construction. The revegetated dunes are mainly represented by exotic tree species (e.g., Acacia and Casuarina), which are often harvested. Due to the removal of native vegetation and the ‘grow and harvest’ policy associated with exotic trees, the native flora, fauna and macrofungi of the coastal sand dunes are severely threatened. The results obtained in the present pilot study point out the need for long-term temporal and spatial investigation of the macrofungal resource of coastal sand dunes to gain a more comprehensive knowledge on their abundance, diversity, ecological significance, benefits and what must be done to implement strategies necessary for conservation.

Field and Laboratory Decay Evaluations of Wood–Plastic Composites

Abstract Experimental wood–plastic composites (WPCs) were made so that they matched the manufacturing process, dimensions, and water absorption of some commercial decking boards. WPC samples from selected formulations were divided into two identical groups. The first group was exposed in exterior conditions in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Hilo, Hawaii, at sun and shadow sites. Water absorption and biological activity were monitored by field inspection, density change measurement, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. The second group was used for soil block culture testing performed according to AWPA E10 (or ASTM D1413). Specimens were conditioned by immersion in water at room and elevated temperatures. Results of fungal decay activity are reported as specimen weight loss or corresponding density decrease. Observed density changes during field exposure and soil block culture testing are compared. Samples exposed to aggressive exterior conditions underwent decay, which was detected by microscopic inspection of board cross sections and calculated density decrease. Fruiting bodies of brown-rot decay fungi (Dacryopinax spathularia) were found on some sample surfaces during field inspections. The decay process of tested materials in the field seemed to require an initiation period dependent on exposure site. The shortest initiation time and the most aggressive environment for decay of WPC samples were found at the sunny site in Hilo. Laboratory soil block culture testing showed weight loss and density decrease of experimental WPCs to depend on conditioning. Correlations between laboratory test results and WPC performance in the field are described.

Sequencing the fungal tree of life

Sequencing the Fungal Tree of Life F. Martin 1 , D. Cullen 2 , D. Hibbett 3 , A. Pisabarro 4 , J. W. Spatafora 5 , S. E. Baker 6,7, I. V. Grigoriev 7 UMR INRA/UHP 1136, Interactions Arbres/Micro-Organismes, INRA-Nancy, 54280 Champenoux, France University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA Department of Agrarian Production, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain Dept. Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Chemical and Biological Process Development Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA, 99352 US DOE Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California, USA March 2011 The work conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02- 05CH11231 DISCLAIMER This document was prepared as an account of work sponsored by the United States Government. While this document is believed to contain correct information, neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor The Regents of the University of California, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by its trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof, or The Regents of the University of California. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof or The Regents of the University of California.

Screening of Fungi Capable of Degrading Lignocellulose from Plantation Forests

In an effort to prevent forest fires after the clear cutting of plantation forests, fungi capable of degrading lignocelluloses were isolated to make a fertilizer from the logging waste. Seventy five fungal species were isolated from fruiting bodies and mycelia in plantation forests of South and North Sumatera, Indonesia. Sixty three of the fungi were identified based on the appearance and morphological characteristics of their fruiting bodies and mycelia, as Pycnoporus sanguineus, Dacryopinax spathularia, Schizophyllum commune, Polyporus sp. and Trametes sp. Twenty fungi were categorized as white-rot fungi and 12 as brown-rot fungi. Moreover, isolates 371, 368, 265, 346, 345 and 338 were selected using indicators and tested for the ability to degrade lignin and holo-cellulose in mangium wood meal over 1 to 4 weeks. Results showed that the 6 fungi could degrade lignin and holo-cellulose in wood meal. An increase in incubation time tended to decrease the amounts of lignin and holo-cellulose. Isolate 371 was found to be best at degrading lignin and holo-cellulose in mangium wood meal.

Decay of Wood by the Dacrymycetales

Thirty-two strains representing sixteen species in the Dacrymycetales were tested for ability to decay wood using the soil block test. Dacrymyces stillatus, D. capitatus, D. dictyosporus, D. spathularia, Cerinomyces ceraceus, Calocera cornea and C. lutea caused considerable decay of wood. Dacrymyces palmatus, D. minor, D. novae-zelandiae and Calocera viscosa decayed wood to a lesser but significant extent. Three distinct types of brown-rot were noted, and one type of white-rot. Some brown-rotting strains were unusual since they were able to remove considerable amounts of lignin. That Heterobasidiomycetes cause insignificant decay of wood has been a prevailing feeling among forest pathologists (Boyce, 1961; Gilbertson, 1980). Very few species have even been considered as possible agents of decay. Within the Auriculariales, only Helicobasidium corticioides Bandoni has had its decay abilities confirmed in culture; it causes a brown pocket rot of softwoods (Davidson and Hinds, 1958). No members of the Tremellales have been tested for capacity to decay wood in culture, but a few have been observed in association with whiterotted hardwood (Macrae, 1955; Lindsey and Gilbertson, 1978). The Dacrymycetales is an order of approximately eighty species, all of which grow on wood. Shields and Shih (1975) studied decay capabilities of three species in this order using a modified soil block test. Strains of Calocera cornea caused weight losses of 40% and 37.9% on yellow birch and 62.3% on red pine; Dacrymyces stillatus 12% and 33.5% on red pine, and Dacrymyces capitatus 3.5% on red pine. All caused brown-rots. Another member of the order, Calocera viscosa causes a heart rot in stumps of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco (Siepmann, 1977, 1979) and Larix decidua Miller (Pawsey, 1971) in Europe. This information suggests that members of the Dacrymycetales may be important in decay of wood. There is practical benefit to studying decay abilities within this order since certain species, most notably Dacrymyces stillatus, frequently grow on wood products in service (Buller, 1922; Ramsbottom, 1953; Reid, 1974). This study focuses on three fungi: Dacrymyces palmatus, D. stillatus, and Dacryopinax spathularia. Isolates of thirteen additional species in the order have been screened for ability to decay wood.