Introduction to wood microbiology -- Wood deterioration agents -- The characteristics and classification of fungi and bacteria -- Factors affecting the growth and survival of fungi in wood (fungal ecology) -- Fungal metabolism in relation to wood decay -- The decay setting : some structural, chemical, and moisture features of wood features of wood in relation to decay development -- General features, recognition, and anatomical aspects of wood decay -- Chemical changes in wood caused by decay fungi -- Ultrastructural features of wood decay -- Changes in the strength and physical properties of wood caused by decay fungi -- Colonization and microbial interactions in wood decay -- Decays originating in the stems of living trees -- Biodeterioration of stored wood and its control -- Wood molds, stains and discolorations -- Decay problems associated with some major uses of wood products -- The detection of decay -- Paint mildew and related degradative problems -- Natural decay resistance (wood durability) -- Chemical protection of wood (wood preservation) -- Some trends in wood microbiology research and a new emphasis (biotechnology).