The sap-staining fungus Ophiostoma piceae synthesizes different types of melanin in different growth media

Abstract

Sap-staining fungi, in particular Ophiostoma piceae, cause significant economic problems for Canada's lumber industry. For O. piceae and a few other staining fungi, the dark pigment is melanin. The choice of carbon and nitrogen sources added as supplements to a basic liquid mineral medium affected the colour and characteristics of the pigment produced by O. piceae. The mycelia became coloured early during the active growth phase and the colour reached a maximum intensity during the stationary growth phase.Key words: melanin, growth, Ophiostoma piceae, pigmentation, sap-staining fungus.