VIEW ARTICLE

Techniques

Performance of a Cyclone Spore Trap. K. G. Tate, Plant pathologist, Horticultural Research Centre, Research Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Private Bag, Levin, New Zealand; J. M. Ogawa(2), W. E. Yates(3), and G. Sturgeon(4). (2)Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis 95616; (3)Professor, Department of Agriculture Engineering, University of California, Davis 95616; (4)Glassblower, Chemistry Department, University of California, Davis 95616. Phytopathology 70:285-290. Accepted for publication 18 September 1979. Copyright 1980 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-70-285.

A multipurpose, volumetric, cyclone spore trap was designed and evaluated under controlled conditions and in the field. The trap detected spores in small concentrations because of its high sampling rate of 340–450 L/min and efficient spore separating ability. For the majority of dry spores tested, retention by the inlet walls of the trap did not exceed 1.6% except with ascospores of Monilinia fructicola which were impacted in the trap volute and had to be recovered by rinsing. Losses in spore viability during operation were prevented by collecting spores directly in water, by reducing sampling rate to 340 L/min, and by limiting the period of operation to 30 min. The cyclone spore trap is suitable for atmospheric sampling in the field or from aircraft or automobiles and can be used in wind tunnel studies.