Fungi associated with bamboo and their decay capabilities

Abstract 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.