Scaly lentinus

Scaly lentinus (lat. Neolentinus lepideus) is a saprotrophic fungus recognized as a significant wood biodeterioration agent. In agricultural and horticultural contexts, it is considered a pest of timber-based infrastructure, such as greenhouses, cold frames, and garden structures, leading to premature structural failure.

The causal agent is a basidiomycete fungus responsible for causing aggressive brown rot. A notable characteristic of this species is its high tolerance to various wood preservatives, including creosote, which allows it to thrive even in treated timber that has been exposed to the environment for extended periods.

The fungus primarily targets coniferous woods, such as pine, commonly used in garden construction. It destroys the cellulose content of the wood, causing the material to lose its structural integrity. While it is a wood-rotting fungus, its impact is most severe in enclosed environments like humid greenhouses or damp wooden storehouses.

Symptoms of infestation include the presence of fruit bodies, which are pale, scaly-capped mushrooms growing from the wood surface. Internally, the wood undergoes significant changes: it darkens, becomes brittle, and develops deep, characteristic cracks along and across the grain, ultimately breaking down into crumbly cubic pieces.

• Sustained high moisture levels in wooden materials.
• Poor ventilation leading to stagnant humid air.
• Direct contact between wooden elements and damp soil.
• Temperature ranges favoring fungal metabolism (15–25°C).

Protection and preventive measures focus on using pressure-treated lumber and moisture barriers. Regular inspections are necessary to identify early signs of fungal activity. If detected, infested wood must be physically removed, and the surrounding areas should be treated with deep-penetrating fungicides to eliminate hidden mycelium and prevent further spread.