Biology ETDs

Publication Date

5-19-1971

Abstract

A twelve-month survey of the atmospheric airborne fungal spores, utilizing quantitative air sampling combined with the culture-plate technique, was conducted in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. Two permanent locations, one in the Heights and the other in the Valley, were used to compare spore types and incidence. The predominant genera caught in the Heights, in order of their frequency, were Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Mycelia Sterilia, Penicillium, Phoma, and Stemplylium. The predominant genera caught in the Valley, in order of their frequency, were Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Mycelia Sterilia, Phoma, Penicillium, and Stemplylium. Variations in number of predominating fungal spores of the same genus at the two sampling sites were generally minor, except for a rise in the Valley in the number of Cladosporium spores during the months of August and September and a large increase in Aspergillus spores during December. A correlation between climatological conditions and monthly spore count is suggested. The harvesting of alfalfa and mowing of lawns were found to increase the atmospheric spore burden. Increases in spore incidence during harvesting and increased spore counts in the area of growing alfalfa suggest sources of airborne fungal spores.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

John Wm. Beakley

Second Committee Member

Gordon Verle Johnson

Third Committee Member

James Samuel Booth

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