VIEW ARTICLE

Sequence of Microorganisms and Changes in Constituents Associated with Discoloration and Decay of Sugar Maples Infected with Fomes connatus. Terry A. Tattar, Graduate Student, New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Botany, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824; Walter C. Shortle(2), and Avery E. Rich(3). (2)(3)Former Graduate Research Assistant, and Plant Pathologist, respectively, New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Botany, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824, (2)Present address: Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27607. Phytopathology 61:556-558. Accepted for publication 15 December 1970. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-61-556.

Discolored and decayed tissue associated with Fomes connatus in sugar maple showed a pattern of physical changes and microbial successions. The lignin-to-cellulose ratio remained approximately the same in clear, discolored, and decayed tissue. No quantitative change occurred in the amount of total extractives in all tissues. The pH and ash concentration increased and total phenolic compounds decreased as tissues became discolored and decayed. Microorganisms were in discolored tissue that showed qualitatively altered extractives and increases in pH. Fomes connatus was in a narrow zone of discolored tissue at the border of discolored and decayed tissue. Microorganisms were in decayed tissue that showed qualitative changes in extractives, increases in pH, and substantial decreases in amount of lignin and cellulose.