Potential of selected fungi for biological stump removal of Eucalyptus spp.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the decay potential of fungi isolated from plantations of Eucalyptus spp. for biological stump removal. Therefore, an accelerated decay test was performed with fungi isolated from stumps of Eucalyptus spp.: Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., Penicillium implicatum, Resinicium confertum, Trichoderma citrinoviride and Acremonium sp. Chemical analysis of the decayed wood was performed on samples submitted to the most degrading fungi. A field test on eucalyptus stumps, with two methods of inoculation and covering, was performed to evaluate the stumps deterioration by the isolated fungi. Acremonium sp., Cladosporium sp. and P. chrysosporium showed the highest potential in the accelerated decay test. Chemical analysis of the decayed wood indicated the selectivity of fungi for lignin. No significant variations were observed in the field test compared to the control stumps. Biological stump removal shows both environmental and economic potential and needs to be thoroughly studied.