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The genus Trichoderma Persoon is a cosmopolitan genus consisting of more than 104 species and is commonly found on wood surfaces as a mold where it affects the appearance. Little attention has been given to wood-colonizing Trichoderma species and few studies are dedicated for identification of Trichoderma at the level of species. In the present study, up to 142 isolates were obtained from various wood samples. One Gliocladium and ten Trichoderma species were identified by morphological and molecular analysis. T. atroviride (30.3%) was the most abundant species followed by T. citrinoviride (26.8%) and T. harzianum (23.9%). The ability of Trichoderma species to discolor wood was also examined on sapwood blocks made of the commercially important radiata pine (Pinus radiata). T. pleuroticola caused the greatest discoloration of the wood surface.

Biological deterioration is the most important issue facing the use of bamboo as a bioresource. To identify the fungi responsible for bamboo degradation, isolates were obtained from three decaying bamboo species and evaluated. A total of 16 genera and 18 species of fungi were isolated and identified. The major fungi causing serious damage are Trametes versicolor and Arthrinium arundinis, which caused the largest weight losses in tests, of approximately 21.6% and 17.9%, respectively. This investigation confirms that the natural durability of bamboo in outdoor utilization is low.

Fungal melanin was utilized as a broad-spectrum sunscreen with antioxidant activity.