The ecology of fungi infecting untreated sapwood of Pinus radiata

Abstract

The succession of fungi colonizing untreated stakes of Pinus radiata sapwood was followed in aboveground, groundline, and belowground zones. The course and speed of the succession in these zones was influenced both by the source of infection and the moisture content of the wood. Aboveground moisture content of the stakes limited development, and colonization by airborne fungi (blue-stain fungi to molds) did not proceed to the stage where decay fungi became established. At groundline and below where the succession of organisms (primary molds to soft-rot fungi to secondary molds and basidiomycetes) was complete, moisture content was more favorable for fungal growth. The succession proceeded more slowly belowground than at groundline because of (1) higher moisture content of the wood and (2) colonization being restricted to soil-borne fungi. Relative frequencies of fungi in each zone are tabulated and discussed. Decay capability tests were made to aid in establishing the role of soft rot and basidiomycetous fungi. The basidiomycetes encountered were not those usually isolated from posts of P. radiata in an advanced state of decay. Comparative studies of the effect of temperature and pH on the growth rate of the various fungi isolated were of little value in explaining the broad bases for the successional trends. Some basic problems remaining in ecological studies of wood-inhabiting fungi are discussed.