Causes of hemlock brownstain. Phase 6. The ability of moulds and sapstaining fungi to discolour sap of western hemlock under laboratory conditions. (Sixth of six reports)
A range of moulds and sapstaining fungi produced in vitro brownstain in sap collected from three different western hemlock boards. Colour changes varied among both microorganisms and source of sap used. However, a link has been established between microorganisms and their potential to cause pH changes in sap; the pH seemed to promote discolourations. However, both the susceptibility of sap to discolourations and the mechanism of colour changes have not yet been elucidated.