Dry Rot Fungus Control

Dry rot is caused by a fungus, Serpula lacrymans (Basidiomycota), and is the most damaging destroyer of wood construction materials in temperate regions. The geographical source of spread and colonization by this fungus in human environments is somewhat of an enigma. According to the National Institute of Health, dry rot fungus is divided into two main lineages; one nonaggressive residing naturally in North America and Asia (var. shastensis), and another aggressive lineage including specimens from all continents, both from natural environments and buildings (var. lacrymans).

Genetic analyses indicates that the two lineages represent well-differentiated species and pinpoint mainland Asia as the origin of the aggressive form var. lacrymans. A few aggressive genotypes have migrated worldwide from Asia to Europe, North and South America and Oceania followed by local population expansions. Studies indicate that they have established through recent migration events, for example by infected wood materials transported over land or sea. A separate colonization has happened from mainland Asia to Japan.