Abstract
Root segments of loblolly pine (P. taeda L.) were decayed by H. annosum (Fr.) Bref. (= Fomes annosus (Fr.) Karst.) over a broad range of wood (33-317%) and soil (36-259%) moisture contents in modified soil-block tests. Maximum weight loss occurred at 50-286% wood moisture content. Decay was inhibited at wood moisture contents over 290%. Water moved rapidly into the root segments by capillarity, and some decay occurred within 2 wk. Water uptake was faster in inoculated segments than in noninoculated segments at a soil moisture content of 172% of the 0.2 bar moisture content.