Evaluation of rapid DNA extraction and identification of Phellinus pini associated with Pinus contorta by rDNA assay

Phellinus pini Thore Lloyd, the causal agent of red ring rot, is one of the major decay fungi affecting many wood products. Although several molecular methods for detecting wood decay fungi have been developed, methods for direct extraction of fungal DNA and fungal species identification during the incipient stage of decay could benefit from improvement. A rapid DNA extraction method integrating a bead-beating system and direct DNA sequencing was evaluated using naturally decayed wood infected with Phellinus pini. The tested extraction and identification methods were found to be highly effective.