Sapstain fungi on native trees of Patagonia, Argentina

DE ERRASTI A.; GRESLEBIN, A. G.; RAJCHENBERG, M

San Carlos de Bariloche

Congreso; VI Southern Connection Conference; 2010

VI Southern Connection

Sapstain is a black or bluish discoloration of sapwood caused by the presence of pigmented fangal hyphae. They produce a cosmetic damage to wood and an economic loss to the forest industry. Most of these organisms are ubiquitous but may also display particular host or biogeographic relationship. This presentation summarizes the first results of 5 year survey proyect that aims to establish the etiology and damage caused to native timbers from the Patagonian Andes. Sawmills and native forests of Chubut, Río Negro and Neuquén were surveyed in autumm and spring 2009, and 195 stained wood samples were collected and processed in order to isolate the causal organisms. Pesotum sp.was obtained from Fitzroya cupressoides and Ceratocystis moniliformis s.l. was isolated from Nothofagus pumilio. A strain obtained from Nothofagus oblique was identified as Ophiostoma sparciannulatum nom. Prov., a novel species not formally described so far. Dothiorella sarmentorum (Botryosphaeriaceae, Ascomycota) is responsible for a severe sapstain in Austrocedrus chilensis. All species were essayed in vitro in order to characterize their staining capabilities. Results and perspectives are discussed.