Variation in the airborne fungal spore population of the Tuscarawas Valley. II. A comparison of arboreal and nonarboreal microenvironments.

For years the medical profession has recognized a relationship between fungal airspora and the incitement of respiratory allergies. An evaluation of outdoor fungal airspora on an eastern Ohio campus during June 1988 revealed significant differences in quality and quantity with respect to microenvironments. Type of vegetation, diurnal periodicities, and daily weather conditions affected the airspora at each site. Shaded lawns within groves and windbreaks, unshaded lawns, and asphalt-covered parking lots presented varying dynamics for fungal spore liberation. Unshaded lawns produced airspora most abundantly during morning and least abundantly during afternoon. Arboreal sites produced airspora most prolifically at midday. A deciduous sycamore grove produced fewer afternoon airspora than evergreen pine and arborvitae stands. Evening airspora at all vegetated sites increased after experiencing afternoon troughs. Frequently encountered molds included Cladosporium spp., brightly pigmented sterile mycelia, and Alternaria spp.