The growth-promoting activity of terpenoids on wood-decomposing fungi

Linear growth of wood-decomposing fungi on an agar medium was usually retarded, but in some cases enhanced, by terpenoids in gaseous form. Increased dry matter production was demonstrated in some Coniophora, Peniophora, Stereum and Polyporus species exposed to the vapours of longifolene, α-pinene, β-pinene, Δ-3-carene, limonene or a mixture of cuparene and thujopsene. The positive response to longifolene in some cases seemed to involve a more efficient utilisation of the glucose in the medium.