Fomannoxin, a phytotoxic metabolite of Fomes annosus: in vitro production, host toxicity and isolation from naturally infected Sitka spruce heartwood

The effect of different culture conditions on growth and production of fomannoxin and the sesquiterpene phytotoxin fomannosin by a single isolate of Fomes annosus was studied. Whereas fomannoxin was produced by actively growing hyphae, fomannosin production was associated with the declinning growth phase of the fungus. The presence of fomannoxin in chloroform extracts from the stained stein heartwood zone of Fomes annosus diseased Sitka spruce trees was established. Fomannosin however was not detected. Toxicity of fomannoxin to germinating seeds and young seedlings of Sitka spruce was demonstrated.