Biological control of some wood-decay fungi with antagonistic fungi

Abstract

One of the most important biological factors that damage wood materials are wood-decay fungi (WDF). Chemical preservatives have traditionally been the most effective method for controlling WDF. However, due to environmental pressures, scientists are working on alternative protection methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of some antagonistic fungi against wood-decay fungi as a biological control agent (BCA). For this purpose, the antagonistic effects of Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium brevicompactum fungi were investigated against the Trametes versicolor, Trametes hirsuta, Stereum hirsutum, Coniophora puteana, Neolentinus lepideus, and Postia placenta species of wood-decay Basidiomycetes fungi. In the study, firstly, inhibition rates were determined by comparing dual culture tests on agar medium, and then the performance of BCAs was compared by performing decay tests on wood blocks. As a result of the study, it was determined that the species belonging to the genus Trichoderma showed a very effective performance on WDF, increased the inhibition rate to 76–99%, and reduced the weight loss to 1.9–5.8%. Considering the inhibition rates, it was determined that the most effective rate of the BCAs was on P. placenta and the least on S. hirsutum species. According to the results obtained, it has been determined that some BCAs were very effective biological control agents of rot fungi on agar and wood blocks in vitro. However, in order to more clearly determine the effectiveness of BCAs in practice, this study, which was carried out in the laboratory environment, should be supported by tests performed in contact with the external field and soil.