Abstract
It is not yet known how meshimakobu (Phellinus linteus) is able to grow on yamaguwa (Morus bombycis), which has wood that is among the most resistant to degrade in Japan and why sterilization is required before meshimakobu inoculation in order to cultivate meshimakobu on bed logs of broadleaf trees such as kunugi (Quercus acutissima) and buna (Fagus crenata). We compared mycelial growth of meshimakobu with that of other wood-decaying fungi using wood meal media consisting of heartand sapwood from yamaguwa, buna and kunugi trees. Mycelial growth of meshimakobu was similar on sapwood from yamaguwa, buna and kunugi. However, except for meshimakobu, fungal growth of kawaratake (Coriolus versicolor), shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and ouzuratake (Fomitopsis palustris) was significantly depressed on yamaguwa heartwood, which contains high levels of the antifungal agent, oxyresveratrol. Taken together, the results strongly suggest that meshimakobu was only able to out compete other fungi on yamaguwa heartwood. Nonetheless, sterilization should be performed for meshimakobu cultivation on buna or kunugi to eliminate other competitive fungi.
