Fungal Decomposition of Wood. Its Biology and Ecology

Chichester

1988

587 S.

Monographie

0-471-10310-1

13305

93254

The book is a multidisciplinary synthesis of factual information and principles from which can be developed a deeper understanding of the processes by which wood becomes colonized and decayed by fungi and how these processes may be studied, controlled and exploited. It draws together information about wood as an environment for fungal growth, the developmental, physiological and genetic characteristics of fungi which govern decomposition processes, and discussions of how wood becomes colonized by fungi in a wide range of ecological settings from the standing tree to converted timber in buildings. Whilst the book is intended to be of value as a reference text, every effort is also made to identify areas where knowledge or understanding are limited, in the hope of providing an impetus for future research or development of concepts. Although some biological knowledge is assumed, the diversity of subject coverage is such that at least a proportion of the book should be accessible to a wide readership.