Phylogenetic analysis of major molds inhabiting woods and their discoloration characteristics. Part 2. Genus Penicillium

In this study, the diversity of wood inhabitingPenicilliumspecies in Korea was investigated through the analysis of their phenotypic traits and phylogeny. Moreover, the discoloration and growth patterns of these species on the surfaces of two commercially important conifers were examined. From a collection of 137Penicilliumisolates from various wood species, 37Penicilliumspecies have been identified including six unknownPenicilliumspecies. The occurrence of sixPenicilliumspecies in Korea was demonstrated for the first time:P. biourgeianum,P. decaturense,P. kloeckeri,P. meleagrinumvar.viridiflavum,P. ochrochloron, andP. sumatrense.P. funiculosumwas the most prevalent species (15.4%). Sapwood blocks of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) and radiata pine (Pinus radiata) were exposed to eachPenicilliumspecies to examine their discoloration and growth patterns on these woods. The blocks of Japanese red pine were more susceptible toPenicilliumgrowth, and the highest discoloration rate on both sapwood blocks was achieved by one of the recently described speciesP. decaturense.