For construction uses plywood adhesive bonds need a degree of resistance to the action of water, weather, and microorganisms but need not be capable of withstanding permanent exterior exposure. A test method for reliably determining the resistance of such bonds to the action of microorganisms is presented, along with data showing a close correlation between results of this microbe resistance test, and of weather fence exposure, and outdoor ground exposure tests. These three tests encompass all of the degradative influences to which construction grade plywood adhesive bonds will be exposed. Therefore, because of its close correlation with weather and outdoor ground exposure tests, and because it can be made under controlled conditions the microbe resistance test by itself is well suited for predicting the adequacy of plywood glue bonds for construction use.