Research of biodeterioration of wood, 1987-1992. 2. Diagnosis of decay and in-place treatments. Forest Service research paper

Biodeterioration is associated with virtually all types of wood structures, including bridges, mine timbers, utility poles, marine structures, and railroad ties. Scientists in the Biodeterioration of Wood Unit at the Forest Products Laboratory, USDA Forest Service, are exploring new approaches for detecting and preventing wood decay. The report describes progress in developing immunological procedures for detecting decay. The report also describes simple in-place preventive and remedial treatments for protecting wood from biodeterioration by mold, sapstain, and decay fungi. Timber has been estimated to increase in value nearly 24 times between the stump and delivery of the finished product. Thus, research that improves the service-life of wood has potential for high financial return.