What environmental condition is essential for fungi that infest wood to grow?

Fungi that infest wood require moisture as an essential environmental condition for growth. Moisture is needed for fungal spores to germinate and for the development of the mycelium, which is the body of the fungus. Without adequate moisture, wood cannot support fungal activity, making it difficult for wood-destroying fungi to thrive, attack, and cause decay.

While high oxygen levels, dry conditions, and shade could play roles in the broader ecosystem of wood and its inhabitants, they do not directly facilitate the growth of fungi. Fungi thrive in moist environments because they depend on water for cellular processes and to transport nutrients. This makes understanding moisture levels crucial in managing and preventing wood decay due to fungal infestations.