Search Results (476)

Deadwood is essential for the forest ecosystem productivity and stability. A growing body of evidence indicates that deadwood-inhabiting microbes are effective decomposition agents, yet little is known about how changes in microbial communities during the initial deadwood decay. In a small forest area, we performed dense sampling from the top, middle, and bottom portions of two representative Pinus massoniana cultivars logs to track deadwood xylem microbiota shift during the initial deadwood decay. We found xylem mycobiota varied dramatically during the initial deadwood decay. Deadwood microbes might largely originate from the endophytic microbes of living trees during the initial deadwood decay. Notably, bark type is an important driving factor for xylem mycobiota changes during the initial deadwood decay. Ten upregulated metabolites were screened out by a univariate analysis approach. Moreover, our correlation analysis suggests that enriched microbes at class level was significantly correlated with the upregulated metabolites during the initial deadwood decay. Our work provides new insights into the process of mycobiota and metabolite changes during the initial deadwood decay. Full article

Timber and other biobased materials store carbon that has been captured from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and plant growth. The estimation of these biogenic carbon stocks in the harvested wood products (HWP) pool has received increasing attention since its inclusion in greenhouse gas reporting by the IPCC. It is of particular interest for long service life products such as timber in buildings; however, some aspects require further thought—in particular the handling of service lives as opposed to half-lives. The most commonly used model for calculating changes in the HWP pool uses first order decay based on half-lives. However other approaches are based on average service lives and estimates of residence times in the product pool, enabling different mathematical functions to be used. This paper considers the evolution of the two concepts and draws together data from a wide range of sources to consider service life estimation, which can be either related to design life or practical observations such as local environmental conditions, decay risk or consumer behaviour. As an increasing number of methods emerge for calculating HWP pool dynamics, it is timely to consider how these numerical inputs from disparate sources vary in their assumptions, calculation types, accuracy and results. Two groups are considered: half-lives for first order decay models, and service life and residence time population distributions within models based on other functions. A selection of examples are drawn from the literature to highlight emerging trends and discuss numerical constraints, data availability and areas for further study. The review indicated that issues exist with inconsistent use of nomenclature for half-life, average service life and peak flow from the pool. To ensure better sharing of data between studies, greater clarity in reporting function types used is required. Full article

The thermal modification of wood has emerged as a sustainable and effective method for enhancing the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of wood without the use of harmful chemicals. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art in thermal wood modification, focusing on the mechanisms of wood degradation during treatment and the resulting changes in the properties of the material. The benefits of thermal modification of wood include improved dimensional stability, increased resistance to biological decay, and improved durability, while potential risks such as reduced mechanical strength, color change, and higher costs of wood under certain conditions are also discussed. The review highlights recent advances in process optimization and evaluates the trade-offs between improved performance and possible structural drawbacks. Finally, future perspectives are outlined for sustainable applications of thermally modified wood in various industries. Emerging trends and future research directions in the field are identified, aiming to improve the performance and sustainability of thermally modified wood products in construction, furniture, and other industries. Full article

The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) makes them a valuable tool in various industries. Recently, biosynthesis has become the preferred method for nanoparticle synthesis, and among organisms that can be used as AgNP producers, filamentous fungi have attracted the greatest interest. In particular, wood decay fungi are considered promising candidates for AgNP biosynthesis. Biogenic AgNPs have been proven to have strong antibacterial potential and antifungal activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal potential of AgNPs synthesized using the brown-rot decay fungus Gloeophyllum striatum DSM 9592 against four pathogenic fungal strains: Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. Moreover, changes in the tested strains’ lipidome and cell membrane properties induced by the presence of AgNPs were investigated. The results revealed that the obtained AgNPs exerted fungistatic activity against all the strains tested. M. furfur, with a MIC value of 0.39 μg/mL obtained for all AgNP types, was found to be the most susceptible to the action of AgNPs. The lipidomic analysis revealed that the presence of AgNPs caused an increase in cell membrane fluidity in both A. flavus and C. albicans, and the mechanisms of response to AgNPs differed between the tested strains. Full article

As one of the decay-resistant woods, Korean pine is widely used in the construction industry. However, even the most corrosion-resistant wood is still susceptible to decay under the right humidity and temperature conditions. In this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B. amyloliquefaciens) bacterial liquid and filter bacterial solution were prepared for the anti-corrosion treatment of Korean pine wood, aiming to improve its decay-resistant property. Through the plate confrontation test, it was discovered that B. amyloliquefaciens AW3 could significantly inhibit the growth of Fomitopsis pinicola (F. Pinicola). The results of mass loss rate, mechanical properties test, XRD, FTIR and SEM analysis showed that the preserved Korean pine wood had significant improvement in various properties compared with the decayed wood, which was manifested in the significant reduction of mass loss, improvement of mechanical properties, and increased wood cellulose diffraction peak intensity. There is no mycelium infection of F. pinicola in Korean pine wood, and the antiseptic liquid can penetrate into the wood evenly, which plays an effective antiseptic role. The B. amyloliquefaciens bacterial liquid exhibited superior preservative performance compared to the B. amyloliquefaciens filter bacterial solution. In conclusion, B. amyloliquefaciens, as an efficient and environmentally friendly biological preservative, holds broad application prospects in improving the anti-corrosion performance of Korean pine wood. Full article

Mangrove-associated fungi represent a diverse but understudied group of eukaryotic organisms, especially in the Neotropics. The Colombian Pacific region, with approximately 1300 km of coastline covered with 194,880 ha of mangrove forests that remain largely unexplored for macrofungal diversity, is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. This study aimed to catalog the macrofungi associated with mangrove ecosystems in Colombia, integrating morphological characterization and molecular phylogenetics, focusing on three Valle del Cauca Pacific coast localities. A total of 81 specimens were collected from both living trees and decaying wood. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic analyses were conducted, and DNA sequences from two ribosomal DNA barcode regions (ITS and LSU) were generated for 43 specimens. Three new species—Neohypochnicium manglarense, Phlebiopsis colombiana, and Porogramme bononiae—were documented. In addition, eight species were reported as new records for both Colombia and mangrove ecosystems, including Microporus affinis, Paramarasmius palmivorus, Phlebiopsis flavidoalba, Porogramme brasiliensis, Resinicium grandisporum, Trametes ellipsospora, T. menziesii, and T. polyzona. Although previously recorded in Colombian terrestrial ecosystems, Lentinus scleropus and Oudemansiella platensis are globally reported here for the first time from mangrove habitats. Furthermore, Fomitopsis nivosella and Punctularia strigosozonata were documented for the first time in Colombia. This study addresses the first exploration of mangrove-associated macrofungi in the country and provides new insights into the hidden fungal diversity and potential of mangrove ecosystems as a latent niche for basidiomycete dispersal along Colombia’s Pacific coast. Full article

Fungi are a diverse and essential group that play crucial ecological roles. However, they remain understudied in tropical countries like Ecuador in terms of their forest or protected areas, particularly across diverse ecosystem zones such as seasonal forests and salt flats. This study aimed to inventory fungal diversity in two specific zones: the dry forest (DF) and the salt flat (SF) within the Reserva Ecologica Arenillas (REAR), located in El Oro, Ecuador. The results recorded 162 specimens representing 47 species belonging to 34 genera, identified morphologically. Although statistically significant, the difference in species richness and abundance between the dry forest and the salt flat was minimal, with the dry forest showing slightly higher values. Nonetheless, certain species were prevalent in both ecosystems, such as Cerrena hydnoides, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Hexagonia tenuis, and Chondrostereum sp., alongside four species with resupinate habit, all of them growing on decayed wood. The Shannon and Simpson indices were calculated to assess alpha diversity, revealing higher diversity in the DF. To evaluate differences in community composition between habitats, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were applied, indicating greater species turnover and dominance of specific taxa in the DF compared to the SF. These findings highlight the importance of the fungal diversity found in the REAR while also pointing to the need for more exhaustive monitoring and comparative studies with other wild or protected areas to fully understand and conserve this biodiversity. Full article

Peptaibols are linear fungal peptides featuring α,α-dialkylated amino acids (e.g., α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), isovaline (Iva)) and characteristic C-terminal alcohol groups. Despite their promising antibacterial and antiplasmodial activities, detailed biosynthetic studies remain limited. A genome-guided study of the fungus Trichodema sp. SK1-7, isolated from decaying wood, revealed the production of previously described trichorozin IV (1), along with novel SF4-type peptaibol 2 (trichorozin V). The structures of these compounds were elucidated through MS analysis, NMR study and advanced Marfey’s method. The genome of Trichoderma sp. SK1-7 harbors two PKS-NRPS hybrid gene clusters containing 14 and 18 adenylation domains. Analysis of the modular architecture suggested that trichorozins are synthesized by a 14-module protein via a module skipping mechanism. Genome mining revealed several types of short peptaibol synthase architectures (10–14 adenylation domains) across various Trichoderma species, accompanied by similar long peptaibol synthases. Furthermore, putative Aib/Iva biosynthesis machinery in Trichoderma was identified, showing specific architectures potentially involved in regulating peptaibol biosynthesis. Feeding experiments demonstrated that peptaibol production depends on the ratio of Iva/Aib. The isolated compounds exhibited moderate antibacterial and cytotoxic activities along with a synergistic effect when combined with membrane-targeting antibiotics. Our findings suggest that genome-guided approaches hold promise for further development of peptabiotics with a wide range of applications, including antibiotic adjuvants. Full article

Spalted wood is a natural material characterized by distinctive colors and patterns from wood decay fungi as they digest their substrate and leave behind colored secretions. As an art form, spalted wood was used heavily in western Europe from the 1400s–1600s; however, its use in other parts of the world remains deeply understudied, even in cultures where wood played a dominant social role. The use of spalted wood in China, in particular, is unknown, despite a growing interest by Chinese researchers in modern spalting practices and their potential commercial value. This study systematically reviews the potential historic use, current artistic value, environmental significance, and future application prospects of spalted wood for a Chinese market. By integrating historical records, modern scientific research, and insights from traditional Chinese woodworking, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of the aesthetic and functional value of spalted wood for Chinese markets. The findings indicate that the random and non-reproducible nature of spalted wood imbues it with exceptional artistic appeal and collectability, which has a strong potential to appeal to Chinese furniture design, decorative arts, and high-end interior applications. Furthermore, spalted wood demonstrates considerable potential for resource recycling by turning otherwise non-commercial, pale, white woods into higher value options—a phenomenon that has been studied across Europe and North America. In China, this has the potential to reduce wood waste and advance ecological design. However, challenges remain in fungal infection control, processing techniques, and market adoption. With ongoing advancements in biotechnology and manufacturing processes, spalted wood is poised to gain greater recognition in Chinese art, design, and cultural innovation while also contributing to green manufacturing and sustainable development. Full article

We surveyed five urban parks in Wrocław, Lower Silesia (Poland) to document the diversity of wood-inhabiting fungi and assess their potential impact on trees and public safety. Field observations were conducted in 2021, yielding 53 fungal occurrences representing nine species of eight genera. The most frequently recorded taxa were Fomes fomentarius (accounting for 43.4% of all fungal observations), Fomitiporia robusta (15.0%), and Laetiporus sulphureus (13.2%). The highest number of fungal findings (35.8%) occurred in Zachodni Park, which is also the largest of the surveyed parks, while Grabiszyński Park—the second largest—had the lowest share (9.4%). Fungi were found on trees of six genera and eight species, most commonly on Quercus robur (35.5% of colonized trees) and Betula pendula (26.7%). In eight cases, host trees could not be identified due to severe damage or removal. Most fungal fruiting bodies appeared on upper trunks or branches of aging, weakened, or decaying trees. As the surveyed parks are highly frequented recreational areas, regular monitoring of wood-inhabiting fungi is recommended to manage tree health and minimize safety risks for park visitors. Full article

México is the world’s leading producer of avocado, with 2,540,715 tons in the last year. Trametes spp. are macromycete fungi that rot wood. In 2022, in the state of Michoacán, México, sporomas of Trametes sp. were found in the trunks of avocado trees (Persea americana var. Hass) of 10 years old and older. The trees showed disease symptoms including yellowing of leaves, widespread defoliation, and wilting. It was observed that 10% of the infected trees were felled after heavy rains. In the place where the fungus settled, abundant cream-colored and cottony mycelium developed, causing “white rot”. The incidence of the disease in the sampled orchards was 60% in the tree population per hectare with 350 trees. The symptomatic trees studied were randomly selected from seven orchards. The collected fungal samples show typical structures corresponding to Trametes sp., including large sporomas, a pileus with a surface of concentric zones of various ocher tones, and a porous hymenium. The samples showed a 99% match with the species Trametes hirsuta. Laboratory bioassays of inoculation in fresh wood segments of avocado formed typical sporomas of the pathogen. Finally, the fungus was recovered and reisolated in vitro in PDA, and its identity was confirmed through the morphological characteristics and molecular tests. To the best of our knowledge, this article reports for the first time that P. americana cv. Hass and Mendez are new hosts for T. hirsuta. Therefore, the environmental and horticultural management conditions that favor the proliferation of T. hirsuta must be investigated. Full article

This study examines the rapid degradation of oak mooring piles caused by shipworms in Venice, Italy. In the last few decades, this problem has raised significant safety and environmental concerns, as the piles often need to be replaced every 18–24 months. The sound basic density and diameter of 22 oak piles were analysed after being exposed to shipworm attacks for 18–240 months to determine whether denser piles or larger diameters influence the rate of decay. This was performed to assess whether larger cross sections or higher densities of the piles could imply an increased durability against marine borers. The impact of environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels was also assessed. The results highlighted that pile density and diameter do not significantly influence the resistance against shipworms, while rising temperatures (+2 °C in the past two decades) may contribute to accelerating shipworm activity. These phenomena are worsened by the arrival of warm-water shipworms since 2013, exhibiting greater aggressiveness in wood degradation. Furthermore, the potential impact of storm surge barriers on shipworm activity remains an open research topic. Alternative materials and protection techniques introduced since 2015, such as polyurethane piles or metal stapling, face environmental and logistical challenges. Despite these alternatives, many new oak mooring piles are still installed in Venice without protection and are vulnerable to rapid deterioration. Addressing these issues requires multidisciplinary research to develop sustainable materials and preservation techniques for maintaining infrastructure in Venice. Full article

Wood waste, primarily composed of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which is typically disposed of through burning and crushing, poses environmental challenges. However, conventional wood waste disposal methods present critical limitations, such as environmental pollution and resource waste. To develop sustainable processing strategies to dispose wood waste, we identified two fungal isolates, SMF410-5-1 and ME1-1, from decayed wood trunks, demonstrating high lignocellulose-degrading enzyme activities, including laccase (Lac, 125.7 U/mL), manganese peroxidase (MnP, 89.3 U/mL), and lignin peroxidase (LiP, 67.9 U/mL). Isolates of ME1-1 and SMF410-5-1 both exhibited superior poplar lignin degradation, while SMF410-5-1 excelled in coniferous wood weight losses, which reached 19.7% for pine after 180 days post inoculation. Moreover, biochemical analyses revealed that isolates of ME1-1 and SMF410-5-1 accelerated the degradation by producing various lignocellulose-degrading enzymes to hydrolyze wood waste. In addition, through multi-locus phylogenetic analysis using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), SMF410-5-1 and ME1-1 were identified as Phlebia formosana and Auricularia cornea, respectively. This study provides novel insights into fungal-driven biodegradation, offering eco-friendly solutions for forest waste recycling and supporting circular bioeconomy strategies. Full article

Costa Rica is located along the narrow isthmus that connected South America to North America beginning in the mid-Cenozoic. The exchange of vertebrates between the two continents has received considerable study, but paleobotanical aspects are less known. The Pacific coast “ring of fire” volcanoes produced abundant hyaloclastic material that provided a source of silica for wood petrifaction, and the tropical forests contained diverse taxa. This combination resulted in the preservation of petrified wood at many sites in Costa Rica. Fossil wood ranges in age from Lower Miocene to Middle Pleistocene, but Miocene specimens are the most common. Our research involved the study of 54 specimens, with the goal of determining their mineral compositions and interpreting the fossilization processes. Data came from thin-section optical microscopy, SEM images, and X-ray diffraction. Two specimens were found to be mineralized with calcite, but most of the woods contained crystalline quartz and/or opal-CT. The preservation of anatomical detail is highly variable. Some specimens show evidence of decay or structural deformation that preceded mineralization, but other woods have well-preserved cell structures. This preliminary study demonstrates the abundance and botanical diversity of fossil wood in Costa Rica, hopefully opening a door into future studies that will consider the taxonomy and evolutionary aspects of the country’s fossil forests. Full article

We performed the microscopic calculation of $\beta$-decay properties for waiting-point nuclei with neutron-closed magic shells. Allowed Gamow–Teller (GT) and first-forbidden (FF) transitions were simulated using a schematic model (SM) for waiting-point N = $50,82$ isotopes in the framework of a proton–neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation ($pn$-QRPA). The Woods–Saxon (WS) potential basis was used in our calculations. The $pn$-QRPA equations of allowed (GT) and (FF) transitions were utilized in both the particle–hole ($ph$) and particle–particle ($pp$) channels in the SM. We solved the secular equations of the GT and FF transitions for eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the corresponding Hamiltonians. A spherical shape was assigned to each waiting-point nucleus in all simulations. Significantly, this study marks the first time that $\beta$-decay analysis has been applied to certain nuclei, including ⁸²Ge₅₀, ⁸³As₅₀, ⁸⁴Se₅₀, ⁸⁵Br₅₀ and ⁸⁷Rb₅₀ with $N=50$ isotones, and ¹³²Sn₈₂, ¹³³Sb₈₂, ¹³⁴Te₈₂, ¹³⁵I₈₂ and ¹³⁷Cs₈₂ with $N=82$ isotones. Since there is no prior theoretical research on these nuclei, this work is a unique addition to the field. We compared our results with the previous calculations and measured data, and our calculations agree with the experimental data and the other theoretical results. Full article