What happens to brown rot when moisture is removed from wood?

The correct understanding of brown rot's behavior when moisture is removed from wood is that it enters a dormant state. Brown rot fungi require moisture to thrive and reproduce. When the moisture content of the wood decreases to a level that is unsuitable for their metabolic processes, the fungi cannot grow or actively deteriorate the wood. They do not die immediately, and under dry conditions, they can survive in a dormant state, which means they can potentially reactivate when the moisture levels become favorable again. This ability to enter dormancy is a crucial survival strategy for many types of fungi, allowing them to withstand periods of unfavorable environmental conditions. This highlights the resilience of brown rot, as it can remain inactive for extended periods until the right conditions return.