Factors Associated with Decay Capacity of the Brown-Rot

Brown-rot basidiomycetes are a major cause of decay and decomposition of wood and wood products throughout the world. The rapid depolymerization of cellulose associated with brown rot results in serious strength losses of wood early in the decay process (Cowling, 1961); brown-rotters thus cause more damage in less time than the more prevalent white-rotters. Knowledge of the physiology and biochemistry of brown rot has lagged behind that of white rot. A better understanding of the mechanisms of brown rot could pinpoint specific metabolic pathways necessary for decay development and form the bases of future control strategies.