The effect of a bioprotectant, Trichoderma harzianum, on the activity of Gloeophyllum trabeum was investigated using a wood wafer sandwich method. Wood weight loss was greatest with Gloeophyllum trabeum exposed wafers, intermediate with those exposed to both the bioprotectant and decay fungus, and lowest with the bioprotectant exposed wafers. Extracts of wood wafers after 2, 4, or 6 weeks of fungal exposure revealed that the bioprotectant depressed, but did not completely inhibit enzyme activity of the decay fungus. Analysis of extracts for oxalate content revealed that the bioprotectant had little effect on the levels of oxalate present. The results suggest that the bioprotectant was not capable of completely inhibiting the decay fungus. Further trials to evaluate the effect of prior bioprotectant colonization on basidiomycete activity are planned.

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