The air spora of Brisbane

Abstract

A survey of the air spora at a single site in Brisbane was carried out from July 1, 1962, to June 30, 1963; both volumetric and exposed-plate techniques were used.

In the volumetric study, seasonal distributions of the spore groupings employed are shown in re!ation to weather data. Members of the wet-air spora proved to be the main spores collected, comprising c. two-thirds of the total. Hyaline basidiospores (24.1 %), "hyaline rods" (23.5 %), Cladosporium (18.8 %), and coloured basidiospores (9.6%) were the main types encountered, and tended towards autumn maxima. Pollens never attained high numbers.

On the exposed plates, Cladosporium (19.0%) was the main genus with Epicoccum (1 3.7 %), yeasts (12.2 %), Curvularia (8.6 %), Pullularia (7.2 %), Alternaria (6.9 %), Penicillium (3.5 %), Leptosphaerulina (3.1 %), Sphaeropsidales (2.9 %), Pithomyces (2.3 %), and Nigrospora (2.2%) also occurring.

The predominance of mown grass and large eucalypts in the area appears to have influenced the spore types caught. A relationship between the occurrence of Epicoccum andropogonis and ergot honey-dew was observed.

Under favourable conditions, many spores attain high concentrations and on this account require consideration as possible allergens.