Identification of Fungal Organisms Present in Elements Considered Historical Heritage

In this study, the presence of xylophagous organisms in historical wood present in the temple of Santiago Apostol in Tupátaro, Michoacán, Mexico, was evaluated. Through a visual inspection of three different structural zones in damaged wood of the temple, sampling of various fungal isolates was performed, to be subsequently molecularly identified. Similarly, the temperature and humidity conditions of each site where the samples were taken were recorded, and the laccase and cellulase activities were evaluated for each isolate. The results showed the presence of 14 fungal organisms with well-differentiated morphological characteristics, present in structures such as doors, windows, floors, ceilings, columns, and lintels. Organisms such as Fusarium, Trichoderma, Penicillium, and Aspergillus were found. The temperature and humidity conditions in the temple were found to favor fungal growth in different areas of the structure. The fungi found and identified exhibit enzymatic characteristics to degrade and/or generate aesthetic damage in the colonized wood.