Natural durability and fungal diversity of five wood species in a field-test site in Jeongseon, Korea

Abstract Climate change from global warming raises the risk of wood decay. Knowing the inherent durability period of wood is crucial for long-term use. Hence, the natural durability of five important Korean wood species (Larix kaempferi, Pinus densiflora, Quercus rubra, Quercus variabilis, and Quercus serrata) was evaluated. In addition, the fungal diversity isolated from each wood stake was investigated to compare and analyze the differences in natural durability. The natural durability of the five wood species was determined to be highest in Larix kaempferi and Quercus serrata, followed by Quercus variabilis, Quercus rubra, and Pinus densiflora. Overall, 306 fungal isolates were collected, including 16 species of Ascomycota, 22 species of Basidiomycota, 15 species of Zygomycota, and eight unidentified species, which dominate different positions of the wood stake. Less Basidiomycota diversity was observed in the two wood species with high durability. In addition, the isolation of not only Basidiomycota but also Ascomycota and Zygomycota could affect wood deterioration and explain the association with wood durability. These findings are expected to be useful in improving the durability of useful wood in Korea in an era of climate change, where the risk of wood decay is increasing.