Biochemical Composition of Aspen Wood Depending on the Level of Aspen Tinder Infestation

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the biochemical composition of aspen wood (Populus tremula L.) in relation to infestation by aspen tinder (Phellinus tremulae), to identify aspen forms resistant to rot. Methods: Wood samples were collected from an aspen stand in the Molokchinsky Botanical and Entomological Reserve. The Py-GC/MS method was used to analyze the molecular structure of the wood. Results and Discussion: Healthy aspen wood had a higher content of polysaccharide pyrolysis products compared to wood with tinder and rot. Aspen trees with tinder fruiting bodies but no rot showed increased lignin pyrolysis products, indicating possible resistance to rot. Conclusions: The biochemical composition of aspen wood, particularly the ratio of polysaccharides to lignin, affects its resistance to rot. Pyrolysis products like syringol and 4-vinylguaiacol may serve as markers for wood resistance.