Serpula lacrimans

Serpula lacrymans is one of the fungi that are responsible for dry rot. It is a basidiomycete in the order Boletales.In taxonomical science the first mention of the synonyms Merulius lacrymans was in 1720 by Boerhaave. The first rigorous description of Serpula lacrymans in its fruit bodies was done by Accum in 1827. The growth cycle of Serpula lacrymans is extremely complex and can only be seen under a microscope.Serpula lacrymans has a preference for temperatures of 21 to 22 degrees Celsius but can survive any temperature from 3 to 26 degrees Celsius. It is not clear how much light is needed to promote Serpula lacrymans growth. In terms of aeration Serpula lacrymans often grows near ventilation shafts which shows a preference for concentrated oxygen. A moisture content of 30 to 40 percent is its ideal level in wood to promote fruit-body formation.Although it is a common indoor biodeterioration agent, it has only been found in a few natural enviroments, the Himalayas, Northern California, the Czech Republic[6] and east Asia. A recent study on the evolutionary origin and spread of this species using genetic markers (amplified fragment length polymorphisms, DNA sequences and microsatellites) on a worldwide sample of specimens suggested the existence of two main lineages, a nonaggressive lineage found in North America, and an aggressive lineage found on all continents, both in natural environments and buildings.Serpula lacrymans is considered to be the most damaging destroyer of indoor wood construction materials in temperate regions.In the United Kingdom alone, the estimated cost of rectifying damage caused by dry rot is at least 150 million pounds per annum.

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