Modelling the Hyphal Growth of the Wood-decay Fungus Physisporinus vitreus

TL;DR

This paper develops a 3D fungal growth model to simulate how P. vitreus hyphae interact with wood, aiding understanding of wood decay and improving wood treatment processes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel discrete-structure 3D model linking microscopic fungus-wood interactions with macroscopic decay patterns.

Findings

Model accurately simulates hyphal growth in Norway spruce.

Simulations match experimental data on fungal penetration.

Growth characterized by stepwise substrate capture.

Abstract

The white-rot fungus, Physisporinus vitreus, degrades the membranes of bordered pits in tracheids and consequently increases the permeability of wood, which is a process that can be used by the wood industry to improve the uptake of wood preservatives and environmentally benign wood modification substances to enhance the use and sustainability of native conifer wood species. To understand and apply this process requires an understanding of how a complex system (fungus-wood) interacts under defined conditions. We present a three-dimensional fungal growth model (FGM) of the hyphal growth of P. vitreus in the heartwood of Norway spruce. The model considers hyphae and nutrients as discrete structures and links the microscopic interactions between fungus and wood (e.g. degradation rate and degree of opening of pits) with macroscopic system properties, such penetration depth of the fungus, biomass and distribution of destroyed pits in early- and latewood. Simulations were compared with experimental data. The growth of P. vitreus is characterized by a stepwise capture of the substrate and the effect of this on wood according to different model parameters is discussed.