Detection of fungal wood decay using magnetic resonance imaging

In this paper a novel method is presented which can be used for the determi nation of fungal attack by means of magnetic resonance imaging. A beech woo d 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 wa ter attributed to fungal activity 12 days after incubation. Magnetic resona nce imaging was found to be a useful tool for determining early stages of f ungal decay in wood prior to any visible damage.