ReviewFungal decay of western redcedar wood products- a review

- A comprehensive list of the fungi found on western redcedar wood products is provided.
- Laboratory and field performance of western redcedar wood products is reviewed.
- Management options and research needs for developing and maintaining durable western redcedar wood products are explored.

Western redcedar (WRC; Thuja plicata Donn) is widely used in outdoor building applications where the natural decay resistance of its heartwood is highly valued. However, as demonstrated in laboratory and field tests, the durability of WRC can be compromised under a variety of circumstances and conditions. The dynamics of the wood decay process are not well-understood. Several fungi, including more than 30 wood decay fungi, have been isolated from WRC wood products in service. However, little is known about the frequency with which these species occur, their succession patterns, the mechanisms involved, or their responses to fungicidal extractives. To ensure the accurate selection of WRC planting stock for heartwood resistance to fungal decay it is crucial that research be initiated to understand the relationship between WRC's natural durability and the suite of extractive-detoxifying and decay fungi that grow on WRC wood products. Moreover, improved knowledge of the fungi that biodegrade WRC wood products is essential for developing new approaches to improve the service life of this valuable species.