Temporal variability of aeromycoflora and their relationship with meteorological factors in Şanlıurfa (Türkiye)

Fungal spores are important aerosols in the atmosphere, directly affecting many living groups such as plants, humans, and animals. In the present study, the diversity and concentrations of fungal spores in the atmosphere of the megacity Şanlıurfa Province–a megacity with a population exceeding 2.5 million and the third largest agricultural city in Türkiye–were determined over two consecutive years using a Hirst-type seven-day volumetric spore trap. A total of 28 genera, one family, two orders, one class, single-septate ascospores, and fungal fragments were identified. The dominant fungal spores (those representing more than 1% of the annual total) were Agrocybe, Alternaria, Aspergillus/Penicillium type, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Ganoderma, fungal fragments, Leptosphaeria, Pleospora, Pucciniales type, and Ustilaginales type. Daily concentrations of the detected fungal spores and daily meteorological data were statistically evaluated. Results indicated that dry air spores predominated, and that temperature was an important factor in increasing the concentrations of dominant fungal spores overall. Additionally, a fungal spore calendar for the study area was prepared for the first time. This study is expected to serve as a valuable resource for the prevention and treatment of allergenic disorders, as well as for the prevention and control of plant and animal diseases.