Fungal decay of
western redcedar wood products – a review
Rod Stirling, Rona N. Sturrock, Ann Braybrooks
Abstract
Western redcedar (WRC; Thuja plicata Donn) is widely used in
outdoor building applications where the natural decay resistance of its
heartwood is highly valued. However, as demonstrated in laboratory and field
tests, the durability of WRC can be compromised under a variety of
circumstances and conditions. The dynamics of the wood decay process are not
well-understood. Several fungi, including more than 30 wood decay fungi, have
been isolated from WRC wood products in service. However, little is known about
the frequency with which these species occur, their succession patterns, the
mechanisms involved, or their responses to fungicidal extractives. To ensure
the accurate selection of WRC planting stock for heartwood resistance to fungal
decay it is crucial that research be initiated to understand the relationship
between WRC's natural durability and the suite of extractive-detoxifying and
decay fungi that grow on WRC wood products. Moreover, improved knowledge of the
fungi that biodegrade WRC wood products is essential for developing new
approaches to improve the service life of this valuable species.
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