Growth of the ascomycete Chrysonilia sitophila during degradation of lignin model dimers and monomers was compared to a glucose control. An inhibition of growth by Cα-carbonyl monomers and stimulation by β-O-4 lignin model and vanillyl alcohol were observed. A comparison of the degradation by this ascomycete with the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosoporium showed similarities in relation to the type of degradation caused. © 1992 Humana Press Inc.333169176