The Effects of Nigerian Fungi on Nigerian Wood

Abstract

The effects of Nigerian fungi on Nigerian wood are studied. The fungal flora of Nigerian soil samples, wood veneers, and the aerial environment where the soil samples were collected was investigated. The isolates included many fungal biodeteriogens. There was a close relationship between the fungal flora of the three environments. The effects of Nigerian soil fungi on Nigerian wood were determined by the soil burial method using Nigerian soil, by direct incubation in the laboratory of the factory-colonized test wood pieces, and by the inoculation of sterilized test wood pieces with test fungi. The criteria used to assess wood decay were weight loss and loss in bending strength. Bending strength losses were measured on a tensometer with specially designed three-point loading jaws. There was a close correlation between strength and weight loss. The ability of the test fungi to decay wood at various biocidal concentrations was examined. These fungi were discovered to decay wood treated with the lower concentrations of biocides used. Some of the fungal isolates investigated were found to utilize amino acids in wood as sole nitrogen and sole carbon sources. The fungal isolates were found to utilize the same amino acids as sole nitrogen sources for cellulolytic activity. The effects of irradiation on the germination and growth of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungi on simulated wooden joints and varnished timber surfaces were investigated under laboratory conditions using infra-red rays. The heat produced by the infra-red rays raised the wood temperature to a level that supported the germination and growth of these fungi. The economic implications of wood decay are reviewed, and the preventive methods of wood decay are discussed. As a result of a pilot experiment, methods of harnessing the activities of these fungi for man’s advantage in the decomposition of waste products, such as wood bark, are suggested