Dry Liberation of Fungus Spores by Raindrops

Abstract

SUMMARY: Large transient increases in the concentration of some dry airborne spores coincident with the start of rain suggested that the first raindrops to wet surfaces might disperse spores other than in splash droplets or by wetting fructifications. Experimental collisions between glass beads or water drops and spore-bearing surfaces showed that both rapid air movement in advance of radially spreading splashes and vibration can suspend spores in air. Removal by air movement is most effective when large drops collide with surfaces carrying spores that are loose or raised above the surface.