What distinctive visual characteristic does white rot display when it is young?

White rot, when it is in its early stages, typically exhibits a distinctive visual characteristic of being bleached white with cracks. This appearance arises from the specific fungal activity that affects wood and other plant materials. The bleaching results from the degradation of lignin, which the white rot fungus can break down more effectively than other fungi, leading to the loss of color in the wood.

The presence of cracks is also notable as the material begins to break down, indicating the decomposition process. This unique combination of coloration and surface texture differentiates white rot from other types of rot, which may present different colors or surface characteristics. Understanding these visual cues can be critical for pest control operators in identifying and managing fungal decay in wood structures.