Fundamental Aspects

Abstract

In wood decay, the _{wood structure} of trees is very important, as well as the enzymatic potential of the fungi. Trees can differ not only in the anatomical structure of their wood but also down to structural differences of individual cell-wall layers. All possess differing ’attractiveness’ for fungal enzymes to break them down, this being manifested by the diverse patterns of wood decay observed. Beyond the purely visual changes, this has far-reaching consequences for the mechanical properties of the fungus-infected wood, such as its strength or stiffness.