Stem decay in deciduous hardwoods—an overview

Abstract

Summary The exposure of living stem tissues in deciduous hardwoods may result in a series of events of both biotic and abiotic nature. The process includes a complex, but orderly succession of micro-organisms interacting with the stem tissues and with each other. The host response to wounding and microbial invasion, acting to confine or compartmentalise any lesion, will determine rot patterns. Regulation of heartrot in eucalypt stems may depend on an improved understanding of the patterns and processes of stem decay occurring in this genus.