Colorants Produced by Penicillium murcianum Are a Natural Moldicide against Trichoderma and Other Penicillium Species

Mold growth is a continuing issue when it comes to human health, as well as a growing concern in localized wood decay, as numerous ‘traditional’ molds have been found to have soft rotting capabilities. Mold inhibitors on the market are often synthetic; however, the fungal kingdom has a wide range of more ‘natural’ options. Pigments produced by many fungi have been found to be toxic to other fungi, especially soft rotting fungi. This study looked at the pigments produced by Talaromyces australis (red) and Penicillium murcianum (yellow) and their effect upon the growth and pigment production of two species of Trichoderma and two species of Penicillium. Penicillium murcianum pigment inhibited growth and pigment production of all tested species at 3 mg/mL and higher. Results from this study indicate that P. murcianum colorants have the potential to inhibit growth and pigment production against other select ‘mold’ fungi. This holds potential not only for the wood preservation industry, but for the greater natural dye industry, especially in the area of antimicrobial textiles.