Detection of fungal wood decay using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

In this paper a novel method is presented which can be used for the determination of fungal attack by means of magnetic resonance imaging. A beech wood sample (Fagus sylvatica L.) infected with the brown rot fungus Coniophora puteana (Schum.) Karst was examined 12 and 26 days after incubation using magnetic resonance imaging. We were able to detect areas containing free water attributed to fungal activity 12 days after incubation. Magnetic resonance imaging was found to be a useful tool for determining early stages of fungal decay in wood prior to any visible damage. © Springer-Verlag 2001.