MYCOBIOTA OF THE WRITTEN HERITAGE OF THE MATENADARAN: FUNGAL BIODIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS

Abstract

Documentary heritage preserved in libraries and manuscript repositories is susceptible to fungal colonization and biodeterioration, which may threaten the physical integrity and long-term preservation of historical materials. This study presents the results of mycological investigations of the written heritage conducted from 2011 to 2026 at the M․ Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran), Armenia. A total of 689 documentary objects were examined, including paper and parchment manuscripts, early printed books, and other documentary materials, with the aim of detecting culturable fungi. Fungal isolates were identified primarily on the basis of cultural and morphological characteristics using established mycological identification keys; the nomenclature and taxonomic status of the identified species were verified using the Index Fungorum database. The occurrence of individual species was assessed at the level of individual documentary objects, while fungal diversity was evaluated using the Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou indices. The study revealed considerable fungal diversity: following taxonomic standardization, 95 species of microfungi were recorded, and differences in species composition, frequency of occurrence, and community structure were identified among the examined categories of materials. Several species were repeatedly detected across different categories of documentary materials, whereas others showed more restricted distributions. The highest species diversity was recorded in paper manuscripts, whereas the fungal community of parchment manuscripts was characterized by comparatively lower species diversity and the highest evenness. The findings demonstrate the value of mycological examination as a complement to visual assessment and provide a basis for preventive environmental monitoring, microclimate control, and the development of safer and scientifically grounded approaches to preventing and controlling fungal biodeterioration of written heritage.