Abstract

Jelena Vukojevi and Milica Ljaljevi Grbi*

The main reasons of fungal expansion in museums are inadequate relative humidity and temperature and the spore’s germination can be controlled by regulation of these two factors. Numerous paintings, originated from 11 Serbian museums, were analyzed for presence of moulds. Samples from canvas, dyes and wooden frames with visual changes were subjected to the analysis. Species of genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Drechslera, Epicoccum, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Ulocladium and Wardomyces were isolated and identified. Some of the found species are known as potential producers of lignocellulolytic enzymes and other destructive metabolites, as well as causative agents of human diseases.