What typically occurs when soft rot fungi attack wood?

When soft rot fungi attack wood, the wood surface typically darkens and becomes very soft. Soft rot fungi break down the cellulose and hemicellulose in the wood, which leads to a loss of structural integrity. This results in the wood developing a soft texture, making it easier to compress and leading to damage that can compromise its strength and durability. The darkening of the wood is associated with the metabolic byproducts of the fungi and the degradation of the wood components.

In contrast to other scenarios, soft rot does not cause wood to become hard or resistant; rather, it leads to deterioration. Unlike frass production typical of some other wood-boring pests, soft rot fungi do not leave behind frass, as they actively decompose the material rather than tunnel through it in the same way. Interestingly, while fungal infections can be insidious, the initial notable changes in wood structure can be visible relatively early in the infestation, contradicting the idea that there would be no visible changes for several months. Thus, the first option accurately reflects the impacts of soft rot fungi on wood.