VIEW ARTICLE

Ecology and Epidemiology

Evaluation of Four Spore Traps for Monitoring Discharge of Ascospores of Venturia inaequalis. T. B. Sutton, Research Associate, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, Present address of senior author: Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27607; A. L. Jones, Associate Professor, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824. Phytopathology 66:453-456. Accepted for publication 30 September 1975. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-66-453.

Four spore traps were compared for detecting airborne ascospores of Venturia inaequalis. Burkard traps and Rotorod samplers trapped ascospores more frequently and in larger numbers than wind vanes with vertically mounted microslides and rods. Rotorod samplers were judged more practical than Burkard traps. Ascospore catch by Rotorod samplers was significantly greater at 0.45 m above the orchard floor than at 1.60 or 2.74 m. Sampler maintenance was reduced by activating them electronically only during rain periods and by changing spore impaction surfaces only after wetting periods sufficient to initiate spore dischage.