Interception and characterization of Trichoderma koningiopsis reported in imported wooden logs to India

Abstract

Throughout the import inspection of wooden logs from Ghana and Panama, a profuse amount of white cottony mycelium was observed numerous times in consignments. The fungal pathogen was identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis by morphological and molecular characterization. Though, it is not a tree pathogen but has been reported to cause wood discolouration and disfiguration. Inspection of imported wooden logs encumbers major challenge for detection of pathogen in timber logs owing to lack of available information for species identification of intercepted pathogens. The article aims at providing valuable information towards taxonomic identification.