Atlas of Airborne Fungal Spores in Europe

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This atlas is designed for those studying the dispersal of fungus spores in the air, including aerobiologists, plant pathologists, medical mycologists, allergologists, and spore morphology enthusiasts. The growing concern over air pollution has spurred research into the microbiological components of air pollutants. Over recent decades, the study of microbial life in the atmosphere has evolved into a specialized field known as aerobiology, with early studies dating back to the late 19th century. Fungal diaspores, along with pollen grains and bacterial spores, represent a significant portion of airborne microorganisms. Various methods for studying airborne spores are critically evaluated, including those by Dimmick and Akers, Ingold, and Gregory. The presence of fungus spores in the air results from complex processes influenced by various external factors. Ingold and Gregory discuss the impact of meteorological conditions on spore formation, release, transport, and deposition. Identifying detached fungus spores visually poses considerable challenges, as fungal taxonomy often relies on spore ontogeny, which cannot be determined from single spores. The conidial development in Deuteromycotina and the structure of conidiophores are thoroughly described and illustrated by Cole and Samson.