Pathogenic plant fungi pose a significant threat to the farming industry, causing extensive crop losses, lowering yield quality, and driving up production costs. To mitigate these impacts, researchers are seeking innovative methods to monitor the spread of fungal spores and develop alternative strategies for disease management beyond the reliance on heavy pesticides.
One such effort is highlighted in Mia Berelson’s poster presentation from the Earlham Institute: Exploring Diurnal Variations in the Fungal Air Microbiome of a Norwich Farm. This study delves into the challenges of tracking airborne fungal spores using active air sampling techniques. Over a 24-hour period, Berelson employed the portable, dry-filter AirPrep Cub Sampler to monitor spore activity, shedding light on the complex interplay of environmental factors that drive spore release.
The project underscores the dynamic nature of airborne fungal spores and the difficulty of obtaining an accurate representation of microbial diversity and abundance. Key findings emphasize the significant roles of temperature, pressure, UV exposure, and humidity in influencing spore release patterns. The research also highlights the importance of long-duration air sampling, which the AirPrep Cub Sampler facilitates, as a critical tool for this type of work.
To learn more about this innovative study, download the poster:
Exploring Diurnal Variations in the Fungal Air Microbiome of a Norwich Farm by Mia Berelson, Earlham Institute
