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Brown rot decay removes cellulose and hemicellulose from wood?residual lignin contributing up to 30percent of forest soil carbon?and is derived from an ancestral white rot saprotrophy in which both lignin and cellulose are decomposed. Comparative and functional genomics of the ?dry rot? fungus Serpula lacrymans, derived from forest ancestors, demonstrated that the evolution of both ectomycorrhizal biotrophy and brown rot saprotrophy were accompanied by reductions and losses in specific protein families, suggesting adaptation to an intercellular interaction with plant tissue. Transcriptome and proteome analysis also identified differences in wood decomposition in S. lacrymans relative to the brown rot Postia placenta. Furthermore, fungal nutritional mode diversification suggests that the boreal forest biome originated via genetic coevolution of above- and below-ground biota

An effective method for combined environmental protection and structural restoration of wood piles in waterfront facilities is not available. The objective of the study presented in this paper is to survey the available methods for wood pile protection and structural restoration with the intent of developing an effective method. In addition to reviewing the available repair methods, a field inspection of a harbor in Maine was conducted to assess existing technologies. A wood pile repair method that utilizes bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite shells and a grouting material is proposed. Fiber, resin, adhesive, coating, and grouting materials are systematically analyzed to deliver the required system performance. Two fabrication methods for the FRP composite shells are discussed based on the experience gained in the fabrication of laboratory prototypes. Then a step-by-step procedure amenable for field installation is proposed, and a preliminary cost analysis is conducted to assess the feasibility of the proposed system. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3828(2005)19:1(78) CE Database subject headings: Wooden piles; Composite materials; Waterfront structures; Shells; Fiber reinforced polymers.

In this paper a description of the major groups of marine organisms causing significant wood pile damage is presented. These organisms are divided into two groups: (1) fungi and (2) marine borers. The basic physical and biological characteristics of these organisms are presented, as well as the type of damage that they cause in marine wood piles. The objective of the study presented in this paper is to characterize deterioration of wood piles due to marine organisms and to assess damage in the wood pile zones of a typical waterfront installation. Marine borer activity in Maine coastal waters is assessed through a survey directed to harbor masters; the results of the survey are correlated with historic data. In order to illustrate the type and extent of wood pile deterioration, two case studies in Maine harbors are presented. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-950X(2004)130:2(70) CE Database subject headings: Piles; Wood; Fiber reinforced plastics; Fiber composites; Wooden structures; Deterioration.

Research was conducted to examine the de novo synthesis of 4,5-dimethoxycatechol (DMC) and 2,5-dimethoxyhydroquinone (DMH) by the brown rot fungus Gloephyllum trabeum. DMC and DMH were isolated from stationary cultures of the brown rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum growing on a glucose mineral medium protected from light. Results indicate multiple roles of DMC in fungal brown rot including stabilizing Fe(III) for reduction to Fe(II) and thereby increasing the availability of iron for extracellular Fenton's reactions.