Phylogenetic analysis of major molds inhabiting woods and their discoloration characteristics. Part 1. Genus Trichoderma

The genus Trichoderma Persoon is a cosmopolitan genus consisting of more than 104 species and is commonly found on wood surfaces as a mold where it affects the appearance. Little attention has been given to wood-colonizing Trichoderma species and few studies are dedicated for identification of Trichoderma at the level of species. In the present study, up to 142 isolates were obtained from various wood samples. One Gliocladium and ten Trichoderma species were identified by morphological and molecular analysis. T. atroviride (30.3%) was the most abundant species followed by T. citrinoviride (26.8%) and T. harzianum (23.9%). The ability of Trichoderma species to discolor wood was also examined on sapwood blocks made of the commercially important radiata pine (Pinus radiata). T. pleuroticola caused the greatest discoloration of the wood surface.