Cultural and other morphological studies of Perenniporia phloiophila and related species

Abstract

Perenniporia phloiophila (Aphyllophorales: Polyporaceae) colonizes the bark of live oak (Quercus virginiana Mill.) and is known only in the southeastern United States in this host. Cultural characteristics and mating systems of P. phloiophila and P. medulla-panis, vegetative incompatibility of P. phloiophila and temperature relationships and decay capacities of vegetative isolates of P. phloiophila, P. ohiensis and P. fraxinophila were investigated. Cultural studies indicate macroscopic and microscopic differences between the four species. Antagonistic hyphal interactions developed between different vegetative isolates. Self crosses were compatible. Optimum temperature ranges and maximum growth temperature differed for all species. Mating test results of both species indicate their heterothallic tetrapolar nature. Woods differed significantly in percent weight loss (PWL) caused by each Perenniporia species. No significant difference occurred between different isolates of the same species tested on the same wood. PWL was greatest on oak wood for all fungal species tested.