Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and pyrolysis-molecular beam mass spectrometry (py-MBMS) analysis can be used in conjunction with multivariate regression and principal components analysis to differentiate brown-rot-degraded wood from non-degraded spruce and to follow the temporal changes in wood undergoing brown-rot degradation. Regression of NIR test results vs. percent weight loss for Postia placenta- and Gloeophyllum trabeum-infected spruce wood blocks yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.96. Regression of MBMS test results for the same samples yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.96. Principle components analysis was used to differentiate non-infected wood and P. placenta- and G. trabeum-infected wood. These techniques may be used to detect different types of biodegradation and to develop a better understanding of the chemical changes that the wood undergoes when it is subjected to brown-rot biodegradation.
