Timber foundations may be degraded in service in anaerobic conditions. The present work was conducted to investigate whether anaerobic fungi could colonise wood, using rumen fungi as test microorganisms. Strictly anaerobic fungi were isolated and purified from cow dung and goat and sheep rumen fluids respectively. Colonisation of Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus patula by these fungi and Neocallimastix LM 1, was examined by scanning electron microscopy. All isolates colonised each timber within 6-12 days, even when wood was the only available carbohydrate source. Rays of both Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus patula were extensively colonised. Colonisation was observed to a greater extent in Eucalyptus grandis vessels than in fibres. Zoospores encysted and germinated on wood. The wood was penetrated passively via pits in both timbers and actively by degradation of Eucalyptus grandis pit membranes. Aerial hyphae emerged from wood surfaces and the production of sporangia suggested that substrate rhizoids had derived energy from wood nutrients. These results show for the first time that anaerobic fungi may colonise and degrade wood elements.

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