Analysis of the hyphal load during early stages of wood decay by basidiomycetes in the presence of the wood preservative fungicides CuSO4 and cyproconazole

Abstract

AbstractThis study considers variations in hyphal load in decaying wood in the presence of the fungicides CuSO4and cyproconazole. Variations in the chitin content of hyphae following exposure to both fungicides have been detected. Increasing concentrations of CuSO4and cyproconazole in wood caused an increase in the amount ofN-acetyl glucosamine in the mycelia ofCoriolus versicolorandGloeophyllum trabeum, which may be associated with increased deposition of chitin. This may in turn be an expression of the formation of a thicker cell wall at increased fungicide concentrations. Low concentrations of both fungicides also caused an increase in the amount of mycelium produced byG. trabeum. However, the same concentrations were effective at preventing mass loss, indicating that the fungal mycelium was less effective at decaying wood, despite being present in relatively large amounts. In the case ofC. versicolor, this effect was not observed, as increasing concentrations of both fungicides caused an initial decrease in the amount of mycelium, followed by a recovery phase at intermediate chemical concentrations. Again, mass loss was greatly inhibited by the presence of low concentrations of both fungicides.