The Isolation of Specific Bio-Control Agents for the Dry Rot Fungus Serpula Lacrymans

Abstract

Summary New Trichoderma isolates were prepared from soils collected in the areas of the world where the dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans is indigenous. Agar-screening tests were carried out to identify the antagonistic effects of isolates and determine if their mode of action was geared towards production of volatiles. Overall, Trichoderma isolates from Northern California, USA, were found to be extremely effective against S. lacrymans (Schumacher ex Fr. Gray.) and some produced a killing effect in the agar systems. In addition, these isolates inhibited S. lacrymans growth by volatile production even in the absence of direct contact between the Trichoderma isolate and S. lacrymans, whereas a standard laboratory culture of Trichoderma harzianum T25 was found to be much less effective. In two different soil and wood microcosms the USA isolates were also able to stop the growth of S. lacrymans and produced an apparent killing effect.