Phylogenetic analysis and discoloration characteristics of major molds inhabiting woods. Part 3. Genus Cladosporium

Abstract

The genus Cladosporium Link is one of the most well-known dark molds causing sapwood discoloration. Although the Cladosporium species are widespread in the world, little is known about the extent to which they stain wood. Twenty-eight isolates from seven different tree species in Korea were obtained and investigated in this study. Nine species, including three unknown Cladosporium species, were identified based on their genotypic characteristics. Cladosporium cladosporioides was the dominant species, followed by C. rectoides, C. perangustum, C. pseudocladosporioides, C. tenuissimum, and C. ramotenellum. Their discoloration ability was determined with sapwood blocks of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) and radiata pine (Pinus radiata). On both blocks, Cladosporium tenuissimum and C. cladosporioides showed the highest level of discoloration.