Chapter 4: Genetic Identification of Fungi Involved in Wood Decay

Abstract

Wood decay is a complex process that involves contributions from molds, bacteria, decay fungi, and often insects. The first step in the accurate diagnosis of decay is identification of the causal agents, but wood decay in the strictest sense (white and brown rot) is caused by cryptic fungal species that are very difficult to identify using traditional methods. Genetic methods offer fast, reliable, and accurate means to identify microbes from infected woody material. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the available first generation DNA based techniques for identification of microorganisms, primarily fungi, involved in the decay process and to discuss their strengths and limitations.

Citation

Kirker,Grant. 2014. Chapter 4: Genetic Identification of Fungi Involved in Wood Decay. In: Deterioration and Protection of Sustainable Biomaterials; Schultz, T., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2014; pp. 81-91.