Some bacteria genera commonly associated with this type of wood alteration are Pseudomonas, Bacillus , and Clostridium . Bacteria are often intimately associated with fungi in the decay process. Many bacteria are facultative forms. Figure 99 Bacteria on pine pits. Wetwood Figure 100 Wetwood associated with small stubs in white fir.
Bacteria are the only major organisms associated with a wood condition called wetwood.
The infected wood may or may not be darkly discolored. The infected wood may have a bleached or glassy appearance. Figure 101 Wetwood zones in white fir Slash deterioration Dead wood on the forest floor is inhabited by a wide variety of microorganisms that continue their activities until the wood is completely decomposed. The microorganisms compete among themselves under constantly changing environmental conditions.