Estimation of fungus contamination by air sampling method in rearing room for the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Abstract

It is necessary for the safety production of cocoon in silkworm rearing to know a effect of fungicidal disinfection or a degree of microbial contamination in rearing room for the silkworm. Air sampling method by the Biotest RCS air centrifugal sampler was more effective than sedimentary sampling method with petri dishes on collecting air born fungi contained in room air of rearing room for the silkworm. Fungi ranging from 10/100 liter to 7.5x10/100 liter were trapped by RCS air sampler from room air of silkworm rearing house. Both of fungi, Pénicillium and Aspergillus, were found with high frequency in air sampling. A few colonies of Cladosporium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Cephalosporium, Rhizopus, or Mucor were also detected in trappings. The Biotest RCS centrifugal air sampler may be useful for estimating the microbial contamination in rooms or tools, such as in the silkworm rearing room with artificial diet, since it is highly efficient, battery powered, completly portable, and easy to handle. © 1982, The Japanese Society of Sericultural Science. All rights reserved.