Stimulation of litter-decomposing basidiomycetes by flavonoids.

The stimulating effect of extractives from pine needles on the growth of litter-decomposing basidiomycetes in synthetic nutrient nedia was partly due to 2-butanone soluble components. Taxifolin glucoside (dihydroquercetin-3′-β-glucoside) which constitutes 1–2% of the dry weight of the needles was separated and in pure form, significantly enhanced the growth rate of Marasmius androsaceus at a concentration of 5 p.p.m. Other flavonoids, belonging to the catechins, dihydrochalcones, flavanones, flavonols, and anthocyanidins, as well as gallic acid, had a similar effect. Collybia peronata and Micromphale perforons which like M. androsaceus are needle-decomposing fungi, were also stimulated by taxifolin glucoside.