What appearance does white rot cause in wood during its early stages?

White rot causes a distinctive bleached light color appearance in wood during its early stages of decay. This phenomenon occurs as the fungi responsible for white rot consume the lignin within the wood, leaving behind a lighter-colored cellulose structure. The breakdown of lignin, which gives wood its natural color, results in the characteristic lightening of the affected areas. This process not only affects the color but also impacts the overall structural integrity of the wood, making it more susceptible to further decay and damage. The initial stages of white rot are often marked by this lightening, indicating the presence of the fungus and its activity within the wood.