Deadwood substrate and species-species interactions determine the release of volatile organic compounds by wood-decaying fungi

Wood-decaying fungi in the phylum Basidiomycota play a significant role global carbon cycle, as they decompose deadwood effectively. Fungi may compete for utilizable substrate and growth space by producing soluble metabolites releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We determined of wood (Scots pine or Norway spruce) on generation hyphal biomass, secreted enzyme activities, decomposition rate, fungal species-species interactions VOC release. studied one brown-rot species ( Fomitopsis pinicola ) two white-rot Phlebia radiata Trichaptum abietinum cultivated individually combinations. Wood quality influences release wood-decaying fungi, with signature differences caused trait (brown rot white rot) interactions. was higher cultures than uncolonized sawdust. Fungal activity, iron reduction, oxalate anion content, oxalic acid production explained from decaying wood. • Species-species accelerate sesquiterpene affects depends Decomposition reduction activities