The Fungi Concerned in Fiber Deterioration

Abstract

A review of the literature and certain new findings are presented which relate to the types of fungi which occur on cellulosic textile fibers under various practical exposure conditions.

Numerous observations, some original and others assem bled from the literature, indicate that the following fungi are commonly found growing on fibers in particular types of situations : Alternaria, Cladosporium herbarum, and Fusarium (especially F. moniliforme) on cotton which has undergone weathering in the field before harvest; Alternaria and Cladosporium herbarum on cotton fabric in relatively short- term moderate- or high-light weather exposures, with Phoma and related forms, Leptosphaeria and related forms, and Pullularia pullulans appearing after longer periods under the same conditions; Alternaria, Cladosporium herbarum, Pul lularia pullulans, and, under some conditions, Fusarium on dew-retting flax and hemp; species of Aspergillus, Peni cillium, Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, and probably other fungi on cotton and other natural fibers in unprocessed or in textile form in humid storage; Aspergillus fumigatus on jute which has undergone microbiological damage in the bale; Halo phiobolus and certain other unusual salt-water-adapted forms on decaying cordage in marine exposures. Fungi other than the above-named may occur commonly under the conditions mentioned, but if they do this appears not to have been reported frequently or in any detail in the literature. Soil- contact exposures are believed to involve a very wide range of fungus forms, including numerous genera and species which have not been observed to occur commonly in mod erate- or high-light above-ground exposures. Information is presented which indicates that resistance on the part of the fungus to sunlight is an important factor in determining which fungi grow on fibers in different types of exposures. Differences among the fungi in moisture requirements and in temperatures favorable for growth are also important.