Publication Details
Biodeterioration of wood
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Year Published
2021
Publication
Chapter 14 in FPL-GTR-282
Abstract
Under proper conditions, wood will give centuries of service. However, when wood is exposed to conditions that allow the growth of wood-degrading organisms, protection must be provided during processing, merchandising, and use. The organisms that can degrade wood are principally fungi, insects, bacteria, and marine borers. Molds, most sapwood stains, and decay are caused by fungi, which are microscopic, thread-like microorganisms that must have organic material to live. For some of them, wood offers the required food supply. The growth of fungi depends on suitably mild temperatures, moisture, and air (oxygen). Chemical stains, although not caused by organisms, are mentioned in this chapter because they resemble stains caused by fungi.
Keywords
Fungi; insects; mold; bacteria; marine borersNote: This article is part of a larger document. View the larger document
Citation
Arango, R.; Lebow, S.T.; Glaeser, J.A. 2021. Chapter 14: Biodeterioration of wood. In: Wood handbook—wood as an engineering material. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-282. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 19 pp.