Assessing Biocide Effects on Protoplasts of Wood Decay Fungi

Abstract

Hyphal fragments and protoplasts of two wood-degrading fungi, Postia placenta and Trametes versicolor, were used to examine the effects of two fungicides, copper sulfate and azaconazole, on fungal health (as measured by oxygen consumption, glucose utilization, potassium levels, cell regeneration, and copper uptake). Although both cell systems responded to the presence of fungicide, there were some differences in response. Protoplasts tended to absorb higher levels of copper and were less sensitive to copper sulfate than were mycelial fragments. In general, however, protoplasts provided uniform cells for evaluating the effects of fungicides on cell health.