Wood decomposition by the ‘cord-forming’ fungus Resinicium bicolor: interactive effect of home base size and quality with its surrounding soil composition

Z. Abd Jamil* and L. Boddy**

Abstract

Wood decomposition by the wood rotting basidiomycete fungus Resinicium bicolor as affected by the wood block size itself (home base), its quality and surrounding soil composition, and their interactive effects were investigated in 24 cm x 24 cm soil tray microcosms. Home base relative decay rate (mg/g/d), final percentage of weight loss and mycelial days to regression were not affected by home base size. Exception was when the home base was very small, ranging from 0.5–2.0 cm3 (as compared to 4–16 cm3) where the relative decay rate and percentage of weight loss decreased with increase in home base size. The absolute decay rate (mg/d) of home base was linearly increased with increasing home base size. Home base quality did not affect its relative decay rate, percentage of weight loss and days to mycelial regression. Soil composition greatly influenced wood decomposition. Increased in soil carbon markedly increased the home base relative decay rate and final percentage of weight loss, and reduced mycelial days to regression. There was no significant interactive effect between home base quality and soil composition. Relationship between home base wood decomposition with mycelial biomass and foraging morphology was discussed.

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