A fungal spore calendar for the atmosphere of Szczecin, Poland

Abstract

A calendar of fungal spore seasons for Szczecin during 2013 was established using a 7-day volumetric Lanzoni trap. Thirty-five spore taxa were identified. The dominant spore types detected were <em>Cladosporium</em> (66%), <em>Didymella</em> (29%), <em>Alternaria</em> (1.67%), and <em>Leptosphaeria</em> type (1.21%). The spores were present throughout the study year. However, there was a wide daily fluctuation in the concentration values with a tendency towards an increase during the summer months. Seasonally, the spore levels of <em>Cladosporium</em>, <em>Alternaria</em>, and <em>Leptosphaeria</em> type peaked in summer (June–September), while those of <em>Didymella</em> mainly in July. Most of the other spore types had the highest concentrations in summer but occurred in the air from spring to late fall.