For many decades the occurrence of dry rot in buildings has been the cause of serious concern in temperate regions of the world. Consequently, much effort has concentrated on determining the morphology of dry rot and on finding means of prevention and control. During early studies, observers tried to understand the phenomenon of dry rot as a whole, and in the course of the 19th century aspects changed gradually from an enigmatic threat towards a fungus with well-defined biological features. Laboratory studies with pure cultures of the dry-rot fungus, Serpula lacrymans, have been performed for over one hundred years. The eminent practical importance of dry rot damage is documented by a wealth of publications, some of them being strictly scientific, some others being general or popular accounts, short or comprehensive, well-known or unknown. Due to the recent resurge in the economic importance of this fungus allied to a renewed research interest, the authors have compiled this bibliography with the aim of presenting an overall account of publications on Serpula lacrymans. In total the bibliography contains over 1,200 references. About 200 papers with uncertain treatment of Serpula lacrymans were discarded and not considered for inclusion. However, like other literature compilations it cannot be regarded as complete, and the authors will gratefully accept any additions and amendments. The references are quoted at full title length in the original language as far as possible. Japanese publications appear in English, and Russian titles are transformed according to the current rules of English transliteration. All titles in a language other than English are supplied with a translation which in some cases may differ from that of summaries and reference journals. The alphabetical list of references (pp 22-145) is preceded by an index of keywords with authors. Papers termed as general accounts comprise overall treatments which may be scientific and/or popular. Occurrence and distribution specify ecological and geographical data respectively. The economic importance of Serpula lacrymans, being stressed in nearly all publications on dry rot, is not recorded in the keywords. Single preservatives are registered only if they are mentioned in the title of the reference.

Download document (6.9 Mb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document