Serpula lacrymans PCR testing [SLDNA]

Published: January 23rd, 2019

Revised: March 21st, 2023

Serpula lacrymans is the most common of several fungi known to cause dry rot. Colonization of wood by dry rot fungi can cause irreversible damage if left unchecked. Damage caused by S. lacrymans is highly conspicuous and easily recognized, causing the infected wood to turn brown, crumbly, and dry.  However, by the time these changes are noticeable, the wood may already be in an advanced stage of decay. The fungus is capable of traveling several meters through dry, nutrient-free material such as concrete and brick far from the original source of moisture.  In response to the need for a quick early detection method for S. lacrymans, Sporometrics developed a PCR based method to screen for S. lacrymans in wood. If PCR testing for S. lacrymans fails to detect this agent, we may be able to determine the presence of other potential dry rot fungi such as Meruliporia incrassata by direct DNA sequencing using test FDNA, depending on the condition of the sample.

Types of samples to send

• Bulk samples of the suspect wood
• Bulk samples of the suspect mushroom
• Bulk samples of soil

Laboratory code: SLDNA

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