Biodeterioration of external wooden structures of the Latvian cultural heritage

Abstract

Abstract The study was focused mainly on the biodeterioration of the external wood of the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, Riga (1924), and the sacral wooden buildings in Eastern Latvia (Latgale). The inspected wooden structures included windows, stairs, walls, roofs, fences, benches etc. Roofs, walls and fences were the most commonly decayed outdoor structures, while roof constructions and ceilings were the most often deteriorated indoor structures. Fungi from the phyla Basidiomycota, Ascomycota and Protozoa (Myxomycota) were identified. Common fungal genera were Antrodia, Gloeophyllum, Athelia, Hyphoderma, Hyphodontia, Pharenochaete, Postia and Botryobasidium. Mainly corticoid and poroid species were recorded in the wooden structures. The protection measures against the fungal attack should include a proper maintenance of roofs as well as the decrease/elimination of the vegetation around the buildings. The historical value of biodeteriorated structures should be taken into consideration before applying the protection/renovation measures.