Identification of microorganisms found in discoloured birch (Betula pendula L.) wood
2012
Bitenieks, K., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia). Genetic Resource Centre | Korica, A., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia). Genetic Resource Centre | Bacans, Z., Latvijas Finieris, Riga (Latvia) | Nikolajeva, V., University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia). Faculty of Biology. Chair of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Microbial Strain Collection of Latvia | Baumanis, I., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia). Genetic Resource Centre | Veinberga, I., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia). Genetic Resource Centre | Rungis, D., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia). Genetic Resource Centre
‘Latvijas Finieris’ manufactures plywood exclusively from birch wood. Discolouration of birch wood does not affect the structural properties of the plywood; however, it decreases the value of the product as lighter coloured plywood is more desirable. Wood discoloration has been studied in birch and other tree species, however, the causal microorganism and mechanism of discolouration has not been fully elucidated. Discolouration of wood can be enhanced by artificial or natural branch thinning, which presumably allows microorganisms to colonise the stem. In this study, we utilised two approaches to study the microorganisms found in discoloured birch wood. The first was PCR amplification of total DNA extracted from birch wood using universal ribosomal fungal primers, followed by sequencing of cloned PCR products and comparison to sequence databases. The second approach utilised denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to compare fungal and bacterial profiles between discoloured and normal wood. In addition, we utilised traditional microorganism culturing techniques to isolate fungi and bacteria from discoloured birch wood. These isolated microorganisms, as well as further fungi ordered from the CBS Fungal biodiversity centre (Utrecht, Netherlands) were used for inoculation experiments on birch wood blocks as well as living trees. The interaction of birch wood extracts with microorganisms was also examined. During thinning in experimental birch plantations, discoloration of wood was identified already in 10 year old birch trees. In addition, variation in discoloration was found between families, indicating a possible genetic component, and allowing for the possibility of breeding for reduced susceptibility to discolouration.
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