Antrodia serialis

Antrodia serialis is a wood-decay fungus belonging to the order Polyporales, known as a primary agent of brown cubical rot. While it performs an essential ecological role by recycling organic matter in forest ecosystems, it is considered a significant pathogen in forest management and the timber industry due to its destructive impact on wood quality.

The host range of this fungus primarily includes coniferous species such as spruce, pine, and fir. It is frequently observed colonizing deadwood, logs, and stumps in natural forests, but it also poses a significant risk to construction timber, railway sleepers, and wood products stored in damp or poorly ventilated environments.

The primary diagnostic symptoms include the development of perennial, crust-like or effused-reflexed basidiocarps, which typically appear in rows or series. The decay process causes the wood to shrink and crack, leading to a dark brown coloration. White mycelial mats are often visible within the shrinkage cracks, signaling the advanced state of wood decomposition.

The development of Antrodia serialis is highly dependent on environmental conditions, specifically moisture content and temperature. The fungus thrives in wood with moisture levels exceeding 20% and at moderate temperatures. Spores are primarily dispersed via wind and can easily infect exposed surfaces through bark wounds or saw-cut faces on freshly harvested timber.

Preventive strategies and control measures focus on maintaining forest hygiene, ensuring rapid processing of harvested timber, and proper storage practices. Key protection steps involve:

• Regular removal of infected logs and debris from the forest.
• Application of wood preservatives to structural timber.
• Ensuring adequate ventilation in storage facilities to keep moisture below critical thresholds.
• Sealing logs or using fungicides to treat vulnerable surfaces.