Biological Control of Sapwood-Inhabiting Fungi by Metabolites from Streptomyces Rimosus

Benko (1988a,b) studied the suitability of several bacteria as biological control agents for preventing discoloration and deterioration of wood by sapwood-inhabiting fungi. In a study by Highley et al. (1991), metabolites produced by Streptomyces rimosus were effective in controlling sapwood-inhabiting fungi. The unconcentrated metabolites inhibited spore germination of all the sapwood-inhabiting fungi tested and prevented discoloration of pine blocks. However, Penicillium and Aureobasidium pullulans were able to attack sweetgum blocks treated with the metabolites.