This research examined how different viruses that infect wood-decay fungi interact with each other and affect their fungal hosts. The study has important implications for forest health and potential biological control of tree diseases. Key impacts on everyday life include: • Better understanding of natural viral control of destructive forest pathogens • Potential development of virus-based treatments to protect valuable timber resources • Improved forest management strategies to maintain healthy woodland ecosystems • Economic benefits through reduced timber losses from fungal diseases • Advancement of sustainable, chemical-free methods for controlling tree diseases