Fungal and Bacterial Biodegradation: White Rots, Brown Rots, Soft Rots, and Bacteria

Wood (lignocellulose) is colonized and degraded by a wide range of fungi and bacteria in aerobic environments. These microorganisms can cause very different types of decay (e.g. white rot, brown rot, soft rot, bacteria- tunneling and erosion) depending on the organisms involved and their inherent biochemical capabilities, type of wood substrate (native/modified), environmental situation and interactive competition. This review outlines some of the principle aspects concerning our understanding of morphological and biochemical aspects of white rot and bacterial decay with lesser emphasis on brown- and soft rot decay.