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Study of the Antagonism of Biocontrol Strains Against the Blue-Stain Fungus of Rubberwood

Summary

Rubberwood commonly develops blue staining from fungi, which reduces its value. Scientists isolated two beneficial fungi from rubberwood that can prevent this staining by competing with the harmful fungus. Testing showed that one beneficial fungus, Trichoderma reesei, works better than the other and could be used as a natural treatment to protect rubberwood from blue staining without damaging the wood.

Background

Wood blue staining is a common defect in rubberwood that affects appearance and properties. Blue-stain fungi, particularly Lasiodiplodia theobromae, rapidly penetrate wood tissue causing discoloration and economic losses. Biological control using antagonistic fungi offers a promising alternative to chemical treatments.

Objective

To isolate and identify blue-stain fungi and endophytic fungi from rubberwood, evaluate the antagonistic effects of biocontrol strains against blue-stain fungi, and assess their inhibitory mechanisms through morphological and chemical analysis.

Results

L. theobromae was identified as the causative fungus of blue staining in rubberwood. Two endophytic fungi biocontrol strains were identified: Trichoderma reesei and Trichoderma koningii, with T. reesei showing superior inhibition (44.9-46.4% PIRG) compared to T. koningii (23.3-24.9% PIRG). Analysis revealed minimal degradation of wood components, indicating antagonistic inhibition rather than direct wood degradation as the control mechanism.

Conclusion

T. reesei is recommended as the superior biocontrol strain for preventing and controlling blue stain in rubberwood due to its stronger inhibitory effects and better colonization capacity. The two Trichoderma isolates inhibit blue-stain fungi primarily through antagonism rather than wood component degradation, making them suitable candidates for commercial biocontrol applications.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39852474, DOI: 10.3390/jof11010055
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