Comparison of Fungal Diversity on Woods with Different Fungal Susceptibility during Above-ground Exposure

Abstract

Sequential fungal changes that occur on three types of wood are described, namely naturally durable wood, preservative-treated wood, and radiata pine (considered as untreated wood) for above-ground use, during a four-year survey period. The surveys were conducted thrice at 1, 2, and 4 years of exposure. During the first and second years of exposure, both total fungal isolates and species diversity were low in each wood sample, with ascomycetes being the most prevalent. Additionally, the predominant species displayed a trivial impact on wood decay. However, after two years of exposure, the number of fungal communities increased sharply, accompanied by a considerable shift in the diversity of basidiomycetes, some of which established themselves as dominant species. The survey provides a snapshot of the initial stages of wood decay. Further, it reiterates that while fungal communities on wood are influenced by spores or hyphae in the surrounding air, colonization is further modulated by fungal susceptibility on the basis of durability. An expanded study is necessary for better comprehension of the processes involved in wood decay in their entirety.