A Lab-Based Study of Temperate Forest Termite Impacts on Two Common Wood-Rot Fungi
Jason S Martin1, Mark S Bulmer1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD.
Abstract:
Termites and fungi are the primary decomposers of dead wood. Interactions between wood-feeding termites and wood-rot fungi are inevitable given their shared food source. Termites have developed multiple defense strategies against infectious fungi, such as Metarhizium spp., that include antifungal proteins in their saliva and fungal inhibition properties in their gut. The antifungal properties of termite salivary secretions depend on β-1,3-glucanases that are likely to be effective against a broad spectrum of filamentous fungi. Given the overlap in niches, there is opportunity for interference competition between termites and wood-rot fungi to occur. Here we demonstrate that β-1,3-glucanases in the saliva and the antifungal properties of the gut of the eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) affects the growth of two common wood-rot fungi, Gloeophyllum trabeum Persoon (Murrill) (Gloeophyllales: Gloeophyllaceae) and Phanerochaete chrysosporium (Burdsall) (Polyporales: Phanerochaetaceae).
Related Concept Videos
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Common Ion Effect
Wood Surfacing
The equipment used in the surfacing process is a plane equipped with rotating blades. This tool efficiently smoothens the wood surface and can...
Wood Fasteners
Nails are the most common fasteners, consisting of sharp-pointed metal pins that are driven into wood using a hammer or a mechanical nail gun. They come in a variety of diameters, heads, and lengths. Nailing techniques include...
Overview of Fungi
Introduction to Wood
The structural integrity of the...


