Minerals in Wood: What is their role in the fungal decay process?

PI : Arnaud Besserer (EA 4370 Research Unit for the Study and Research of Wood Materials – LERMAB)

Co-applicants :
Philippe Gérardin (EA 4370 Research Unit for the Study and Research of Wood Materials – LERMAB)
Eric Gelhaye (UMR 1136 Joint Research Unit for Tree/Microorganism Interactions – IAM)
Aurélie Deveau (UMR 1136 Joint Research Unit for Tree/Microorganism Interactions – IAM)
Laurent Saint André (UR 1138 Research Unit for Forest Ecosystem Biogeochemistry – BEF)

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Context — Wood can be degraded by numerous saproxylic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that use wood as a carbon source. In the context of wood utilization, the prevention and the understanding of fungal degradation (preservation) or deconstruction (biorefinery) is of high priority. The relative abundance of minerals such as iron, copper and manganese in different soil types and the physiological activity of the tree lead to a variable accumulation of metal trace elements in wood. According literature data, these elements may act as key players in wood decay process mediated by the microorganisms.

Objectives — The project aims to determine the influence of mineral content of wood on its durability when it encountered a bacterial and fungal attack. Further, we propose to shed some light on the fungal-bacteria interactions during wood decay.

Approaches — The wood decay process will be studied at the macro- and at the micro-scales. The decay of beech wood samples either impregnated with different forms of minerals of interest or harvested on the experimental station of Montiers sur Saulx will be monitored thank to a multidisciplinary approach. Indeed, several imaging techniques, biochemical measurements and of wood characterisation methods will be used on the wood samples challenged by different Trametes versicolor isolates alone or in combination with a bacterial consortium.

Expected results and impacts — Results from the different approaches should shed some light on the process involved in fungal-bacteria interaction during wood decay. The outcomes of the projects should also allow improving anticipation of the wood quality from its growth conditions.