ABSTRACT
Many different types of organisms deteriorate wood, but the greatest damage results from fungi. Decay is the most serious form of microbiological deterioration because it can cause structural failure, sometimes very rapidly. Because widespread damage to wood from decay is seldom spectacular, the tremendous economic and resource loss resulting from decay is often overlooked. This oversight is exemplified by a failure to recognize that biodeterioration of wood products is important and that extending the service life of wood is a sure way to prolong the available timber supply. Knowledge about the biochemical systems of decay fungi can serve another purpose as well. Decay fungi can be used for the bioconversion of lignified tissue, such as biopulping or enzymatic treatment of pulps (Kirk and Hammel, 1992). Recent research has advanced our understanding of how wood components are degraded by microorganisms and their enzymes, permitting rapid advances in biotechnology (Wainwright, 1992).
