Kinetics of Growth of Filamentous Fungi with Particular Reference to Wood Decay

Abstract

THE decay of wood blocks by fungi has been described^1–4 in terms of a progressive and characteristic decrease of dry weight, and Wilcox⁵ has correlated these weight losses with the microscopic changes which occur in the decay of sapwood blocks of the hardwood sweetgum (Liquididamber styraciflua L.), and the softwood southern pine (Pinus sp.). Fungi used were Polyporus versicolor L. ex Fr., causing a white rot, and Poria monticola Murr., causing brown rot. Wilcox confirmed that fungi rapidly become established throughout soil blocks⁶ so that hyphae are numerous in the early stages of decay. During later stages, however, the hyphal concentration decreased considerably and was sparse when 50 per cent of the thin wood samples remained. We have a quantitative theory to describe the relationship between residual wood weight and decay period, which might form the basis of a more general theory which would facilitate widespread attempts to protect wood from decay with preservatives.