Abstract

A new slit-type volumetric spore trap (STVS) was developed to be inexpensive, light weight and reliable for sampling fungal diseases in Eucalyptus globulus plantations. It was designed with as few parts as possible to reduce the potential for mechanical failure. A simple toggle switch allowed quick changes in sampling period from 24 h to 7 days (without changing the entire sampling drum mechanism). The sampler was powered either by mains power supply or by a 12 V battery linked to a solar panel. The new STVS trap was validated alongside the industry standard Burkard spore trap. There was a highly significant correlation in spore counts (ρ = 0.992, P ≤ 0.001) between the two spore traps and no significant (P ≤ 0.001) differences. The new STVS trap was further tested under field conditions over a 20 month period as part of a larger epidemiological study on Mycosphaerella diseases in E. globulus plantations. During the trial, the spore trap was exposed to harsh weather conditions with temperatures ranging from 2.5 to 39.9°C, wind speeds up to 38 km/h, and monthly rainfall up to 292 mm. A newly developed adhesive for spore collection allowed Mycosphaerella spores to be germinated directly on the matrix. Species were then differentiated using the new germination method.