A survey and molecular identification of Aspergillus versicolor causing brown rot on imported spruce (Picea canadensis) wood in Karbala province, Iraq and control it using Copper Boron Chromate

Abstract

This study aimed to survey, molecular diagnosis and assessment effect of Aspergillus versicolor on the imported spruce wood Picea Canadensis Miller. in Karbala province, Iraq, and control it using Chromate Copper boron Chloride (CCB).. Result of survey showed that all imported woods were showing different level of brown rot symptoms in Kerbala province, Iraq. The fungus associated with this symptom was isolated and identified based on its morphological and molecular characterizations as A. versicolor. The deterioration efficiency of the isolated fungus was assessed on wood P. canadensis which showed subsequently a high effectiveness in decomposing wood tested causing a significant reduction in quality. This identification is the first record of this fungus affecting the imported wood P. canadensis Miller. in Kerbala province, Iraq. Furthermore, it was noticed that the growth of A. versicolor was completely inhibited by CCB at concentration (3000 mg/L-1). Moreover, this preservative material provided a complete protection to woods examined for the two periods of incubation (three and six month) with fungal inoculation in addition to occurrence of a significant increase in their thickness and dry weight.