The deterioration and preservation of Japanese pampas grass as a roofing material were investigated. The pith of stem and sheath were more rapidly decomposed. The vessels were the most important pathway of microbial prevalence. Hyphae invaded into the cell wall of fiber and parenchyma, and made the cavities with conical ends. The contacting cell wall of parenchyma in pith with hyphae was decomposed like dissolving. The isolated fungi were mainly microfungi and macrofungi (basidiomycetes) appeared rarely. The strength of stem vigrously decreased by the deterioration. Lignin and 1% alkali extractives increased and polysaccharide decreased in the deteriorated pampas grass. Xylan was decomposed faster than glucan. Structural difference was shown between the deteriorated and undeteriorated lignin. By combining vacuum and pressure process, the effective impregnation of water solution was achieved. The permeation process due to capillary action with kerosene solution was practical use and useful for the economical preservation of pampas grass. Acetylation was effective for the preservation, however this process removed the original luster of pampas grass.

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