Anatomical characterization of Eucalyptus globulus wood decay by two white rot species of Trametes

• Application of ligninolytic enzymes in paper and pulp industry has opened a new avenue to overcome the problems associated with mechanical and chemical pulping. The present study was therefore aimed to investigate the anatomical alterations in the cell wall of eucalyptus sap wood inoculated with Trametes hirsuta (Fr.) Pilat and T. versicolor (Fr.) Pilat. T. hirsuta caused cell separation, formation of oval shaped cavities rich in cellulosic polysaccharides and pit erosion during early stages of decay, suggesting selective delignification pattern. However, degradation of carbohydrate components resulting in large void areas was detected during advanced stages of decay. Thinning of cell wall was detected in the fibres of wood blocks colonized by T. versicolor, indicating simultaneous white rot decay. The degradation occurred preferentially to the middle layers of secondary wall, while compound middle lamellae and S₃ layer resisted degradation during early stages of decay. Confocal microscopy revealed strong delignification from vessel wall and separation of fibres following delignification of compound middle lamellae. The degradation of lignin rich vessel wall during advanced stages of decay by both species suggests their strong ligninolytic properties suitable for its use in paper and pulp industry.

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NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences (hsv//eng)

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