Abstract
An inexpensive light weight, portable and reliable slit-type volumetric spore trap was developed to monitor total airborne fungal spores in Eucalyptus globulus plantations. lt is powered by 240 volt mains power or by an inexpensive 12 volt system linked to a solar panel for recharging purposes in remote locations. It contains few parts reducing the incidence of mechanical failure. A toggle switch allows for a simple change of 7-day or 24 hour sampling periods without having to change the whole drum device. The new sampler was validated alongside a commercially available device (Burkard spore trap) and there was no significant difference (P £ 0.00 l) in spore counts between the two spore traps. Testing under field conditions for one and a half years was performed as part of an epidemiological study of Mycosphaerella species in E. globulus plantations. During this time the spore trap was exposed to harsh weather conditions (temperature range 2.5-39.9°C, up to 292 mm rain/day). The total number of Mycosphaerella spores and the number of taxa were determined as the spores germinated early on a newly developed adhesive.