Phylogenetic analysis of major molds inhabiting woods and their discoloration characteristics. Part 2. Genus Penicillium

In this study, the diversity of wood inhabiting Penicillium species in Korea was investigated through the analysis of their phenotypic traits and phylogeny. Moreover, the discoloration and growth patterns of these species on the surfaces of two commercially important conifers were examined. From a collection of 137 Penicillium isolates from various wood species, 37 Penicillium species have been identified including six unknown Penicillium species. The occurrence of six Penicillium species in Korea was demonstrated for the first time: P. biourgeianum, P. decaturense, P. kloeckeri, P. meleagrinum var. viridiflavum, P. ochrochloron, and P. sumatrense. P. funiculosum was the most prevalent species (15.4%). Sapwood blocks of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) and radiata pine (Pinus radiata) were exposed to each Penicillium species to examine their discoloration and growth patterns on these woods. The blocks of Japanese red pine were more susceptible to Penicillium growth, and the highest discoloration rate on both sapwood blocks was achieved by one of the recently described species P. decaturense.