Biodegradation of subtropical forest woods from north-west Argentina by Pleurotus laciniatocrenatus

Abstract

Subtropical forest woods from northwest Argentina were used to evaluate the relationship between basic chemical composition and decay resistance. Wood samples from the autochthonous species Phyllostylon rhamnoides, Prosopis nigra, Cedrela fissilis, and Myroxylon peruiferum were analysed using standardised techniques. M. penriferum contained the most acid-soluble lignin (3.15% ± 0.39) and least Klason lignin (23.52% ± 1.42); the extractive content was significantly lower in Phyllostylon rhamnoides (4.19% ± 1.70) and in C. fissilis (6.25% ± 1.50) (P = 0.01). M. peruiferum and Prosopis nigra contained greater tannin (6.16% and 4.25%, respectively). Decay tests on wood blocks inoculated with Pleurotus laciniatocrenatus showed the greatest weight losses for Phyllostylon rhamnoides and C. fissilis. The extent of weight loss was inversely related to extractive content of woods, suggesting that phenolic components can inhibit fungal degradation. © 2000 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.