Some Aspects of the Colonisation and Decay of Fungicidally-Protected Cotton Textiles by Soil Fungi

Abstract

Problems associated with the biodeterioration of cotton, including testing and economic aspects are considered. The studies focus upon the use of pentachlorophenyl- laurate (PCPL) fungicides, which are among those most widely used for textile protection. Aspects of some major types of techniques used in the study of fungal ecology in relation to textile testing are discussed and experimental data obtained by their use is presented. A modified soil burial technique is demonstrated. Further ecological studies centre upon the isolation of fungi from POPL-protected cellulosic materials; agar, perfusion and soil burial techniques being employed. Studies of the fungal colonisation and associated strength losses of cotton textile are described. An account of the development and use of a multiple perfusion technique for the rapid initial screening of fungicides is given together with details of its use in the study of the decay of artificially-weathered fungicidally protected textiles. The development of a technique combining perfusion and thin-layer chromatography for the study of fungicides is described, together with its use in an investigation of the effects of soil organisms on PCPL and the effects of heat on the efficacy of this fungicide. The results of investigations into aspects of fungal growth and physiology in relation to test work using PCPL are given, special mention being made of effects of pH and strain differences on Trichoderma viride. Results of respirometric investigations into the effects of low levels of PCPL-based fungicides on soil organisms are set out and discussed. Details are given of the development and employment of a simple strength-testing technique for use with perfused textile samples. The colonisation and decay of cotton textiles by soil fungi, using different soils and varying pH is described, as is a technique designed for these studies.