A Study of Airborne Fungal Spores of Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Airborne fungal spores of Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria during the months of March-December, 2012 were trapped, acetolysed and analysed palynologically to determine the genera of airborne fungal spores and/or particles present in the atmosphere. A total of 9491 fungal spores were counted. The predominant spore types include those of Botryodiplodia, Curvularia, Gliomastix, Drechslera/Helminthosporium, Neurospora, Nigrospora, Pithomyces, Teliospore and Stemphylum. The presence of fungal spores in the atmosphere affirms the great influence of anthropogenic activities on the local vegetation. Analysis of variance for the various airborne fungal spores showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the various groups. This study would provide a good template that could be used to monitor the frequency and intensity of fungal allergies and various disease conditions of plants, animals and man in the surrounding Savanna environment, and provide adequate restoration and conservation measures for safety health and environmental sustainability.