Characterization of White- and Brown-Rot Fungi Applied to the Decay of Caatinga Biome Wood (Swartzia psilonema Harms) from Brazil

This study investigated seven fungal species, belonging to the Culture Collection of the Brazilian Forest Service, in the decay of Swartzia psilonema wood from Caatinga Biome.The fungi were identified by sequencing the ITS regions and partial LSU gene rDNA and evaluated for the potential to produce enzymes of biotechnological interest when grown on S. psilonema sawdust as a carbon source.Test results with S. psilonema as a fungal substrate (sawdust and wood samples) were compared in an attempt to establish a relation between enzymatic production and wood weight loss.The correct identification of all fungi was confirmed.Therefore, they belong to the species Coniophora puteana, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Meruliporia incrassata, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor and Trametes sanguinea.T. versicolor showed the highest production of laccases, endo-1,4-β-xylanases and endo-1,4-βglucanases. S. psilonema was classified from moderate to highly resistant, and its highest weight loss was caused by G. trabeum.The form, kind and complex composition of the substrate proved to be important factors influencing the extent of fungal decay.These results contribute the identification and characterization of biological resources of the culture collection, as well as offer valuable information related to wood classification as a commercial product and to the crude fungal extracts, since they represent a potential source of enzymes that can be used in cocktails for the woody biomass deconstruction.