Wood-inhabiting Basidiomycetes have been screened for various applications in the pulp and paper industry and it is evident that different fungi need to be used to suit the specific requirements of each application. This study assessed the suitability of 278 strains of South African wood-decay fungi for the pre-treatment of softwood chips for kraft pulping. The influence of these fungi on kappa number, yield and strength properties of pulp was evaluated. A number of these strains were more efficient in reducing kappa number than the frequently used strains of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Ceriporiopsis subvermispora. Six strains of Stereum hirsutum and a strain of an unidentified species were able to reduce the kappa number significantly without a significant influence on the pulp yield. Treatment of wood with two strains of S. hirsutum, one strain of Peniophora sp. and a strain of an unidentified species resulted in paper with improved strength properties. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.