Changes in Sapwood of Roots of Norway Spruce, Attacked by Fomes annosus

Abstract Acetone extracts of sapwood and reaction zone of spruce roots attacked by Fomes annosus, collected in February, June and October, were separated into resinous and phenolic fractions. The fractions were further separated by column, thin layer and gas liquid chromatography, followed by biological tests, using Fomes annosus and other rot fungi. The reaction zone contained quantitatively less light petroleum soluble compounds than the sapwood but more acids. The phenolic content was about ten times higher in the reaction zone than in the sapwood. Nine lignans and one simple phenol (4‐methylcatechol) were identified and quantitatively estimated in the reaction zone. The resinous fraction of the extract from the reaction zone as well as some of the lignans and 4‐methylcatechol inhibited fungal growth, in some cases followed by detoxification and continued growth. The predominant lignan, hydroxymatairesinol, had no effect on Fomes annosus or five other wood degrading fungi. About 15 unidentified phenols were observed, some of them probably of importance as inhibitors, either alone or in combination with other phenols.