A PCR-based method for the identification of important wood rotting fungal taxa within Ganoderma, Inonotus s.l. and Phellinus s.l.

Two multiplex PCRs, based on 10 taxon-specific primers designed on rDNA regions, were developed for the identification of taxa within the lignivorous genera Ganoderma, Inonotus s.l. and Phellinus s.l., each comprising both secondary and primary aggressive decay fungi. Each multiplex PCR proved to correctly identify 1 ÷ 10-2 pg of fungal target DNA directly from wood. This method can be helpful to detect decay in standing trees independently of its stage of advancement, and to identify the associated decay agents.