| Summary: | <i>Eutypella parasitica</i> R.W. Davidson & R.C. Lorenz is the causative agent of Eutypella canker of maple, a destructive disease of maples in Europe and North America. The fungus <i>E. parasitica</i> is known to cause wood stain and decay. However, it is not known how effectively it decomposes the wood of the most widespread maple species in Europe. Wood samples of <i>Acer pseudoplatanus</i> L., <i>A. platanoides</i> L., and <i>A. campestre</i> L. were exposed to four isolates of <i>E. parasitica</i> and nine other fungal species for comparison, according to the modified EN 113 standard. After 15 weeks of incubation, mass loss and microscopical analysis of samples showed evidence of colonization and different wood decay potentials among fungal species. A highly significant positive correlation was found between mass loss and moisture content for all fungal species. Similarly, the measured cell wall thickness correlated well with the calculated mass loss of the samples. On average, the fungal species caused the lowest mass loss in <i>A. pseudoplatanus</i> (10.0%) and the highest in <i>A. campestre</i> (12.6%) samples. Among the samples exposed to <i>E. parasitica</i> isolates, the highest mass loss was recorded in <i>A. pseudoplatanus</i> (6.6%). Statistical analysis showed significant differences in mass loss and moisture content between different <i>E. parasitica</i> isolates. Based on the results of staining, we discuss the type of decay caused by <i>E. parasitica</i>. Although <i>E. parasitica</i> isolates caused smaller mass loss of samples compared to other more effective decay species, we should not disregard its capability of degrading maple wood. Because <i>E. parasitica</i> usually infects the lower portion of the trunk, which is the largest and most valuable part of the tree, any damage can cause significant economic and resource loss.
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