Characterization of Fungi Bioaerosols in Family Farming Systems: Municipality of Turbaco, Colombia

Abstract

Bioaerosols impact the environment, agriculture, and human health by influencing air quality, cloud formation, and climate patterns. In agriculture, they act as vectors of pathogens that harm crops but also disperse beneficial spores that enhance plant nutrition. This study aimed to identify fungal species in the air and evaluate their relationship with a family farming system. Systematic samples were collected with three replicates using a cascade impactor at various points within the agricultural system. The samples were processed in the laboratory to isolate and identify fungal species through cultivation techniques, using PDA (Potato-Dextrose-Agar) as the growth medium. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic observations were conducted to examine the morphology and characteristics of the colonies. Fungal concentrations in the air were also quantified, and the relationships between the identified species and the agricultural system’s characteristics were analyzed. Preliminary results showed fungal growth in all culture plates, with notable genera such as Fusarium (phytopathogen), as well as others like Aspergillus, and Mucor. This analysis highlights the importance of understanding fungal diversity in the air and the need for continuous monitoring to mitigate its impact on crops and manage phytopathological diseases.