Fungi attacking historic wood of Fort Conger and the Peary Huts in the High Arctic.

摘要: Historic wooden structures in Polar Regions are being adversely affected by decay fungi and a warming climate will likely accelerate degradation. Fort Conger the Peary Huts at Lady Franklin Bay northern Ellesmere Island important international heritage sites associated with early exploration High Arctic. Conger, built Adolphus Greely expedition members during First International Year 1881, was dismantled used Robert his crew 1900's to build several smaller shelters. These historic remain site but deteriorating. This investigation examines wood woods. Soft rot observed all 125 samples obtained from site. The major taxa found decayed were Coniochaeta (18%), Phoma (13%) Cadophora (12%), Graphium (9%), Penicillium (9%) as well many other Ascomycota that known cause soft wood. Micromorphological observations using scanning electron microscopy of timbers ground contact revealed advanced stages type I rot. No destroying Basidiomycota found. Identification these woods is first step better understand unusual decomposition processes underway this extreme environment aid future research help control preserve cultural heritage.