In addition to wood strength, what is another potential impact of wood-staining fungi?

Wood-staining fungi primarily cause visual degradation by altering the appearance of wood, which results in a loss of its aesthetic value. This type of fungi creates discoloration that can be unsightly, changing the wood’s natural color and possibly making it less desirable for certain applications, especially in construction and furniture-making where visual appeal is critical.

While the other options touch on aspects related to wood quality and usability, they do not focus directly on the visual impact that staining fungi have. Contamination, for example, often refers to the introduction of harmful substances or pathogens that can affect the wood's usability rather than its appearance. Structural instabilities are usually associated with more severe forms of decay than what is caused by staining fungi, which generally do not compromise structural integrity. Additionally, increased resilience to pests is not a typical effect associated with wood-staining fungi; rather, it indicates a misinterpretation of the interaction between wood properties and pest susceptibility.