Aerobiological network for spore trapping

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Aerobiological network for spore trapping

A graphical abstract from an INRAE study:Relevance of networks of aerial traps used for pollen to the surveillance of pathogens

Aerial dispersal of pathogenic fungi is a key process in the epidemiology of diseases, constituting the most effective natural dispersal method at long distance. Airborne inoculum characterization devices are operating at regional scales in European countries and are crucial for epidemiological surveillance. Hypothesis: the material used for pollen monitoring (human health and allergology) could be used as well for the detection of spores of fungal forest pathogens

CHALLENGE

An original approach to build the aerobiological network for forest diseases monitoring:

Identify pollen trap networks

Microscope slides of aerobiological sample

Sample treatment methodology

Digitizing pollen slide

DNA extraction

Pollen identification

Next

Important epidemiological results on various forest pathogens:

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, agent of ash dieback

Cryptostroma corticale, agent of Maple sooty bark disease

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Diplodia spp, major pathogen of pines worldwide

Dothistroma spp, agent of Dithistroma needle blight (DNB) of pines

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Conclusion:

Using aerobiology and molecular detection could be very valuable for forest disease surveillance and epidemiology to assess the invasion front of pathogens since it is a very sensitive method. One sample integrates spore load at a regional scale (~30 km radius around the trap) and traps (installed at 10-20 meters high) operated by aerobiological services provide a permanent monitoring network.

The digitizing of slides before DNA extraction is an interesting achievement which provides a way to archive optical information of slides

When targeting specific fungal pathogens, qPCR proved to be very efficient but an important consideration is the specificity and sensitivity of primers. Using “universal” detection targeting all fungi by adequate primers offers interesting prospects.

If you want to know more, the article is available to read online here.

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Author contact – Marie-Laure Loustau

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http://homed-project.eu

marie-laure.desprez-loustau@inrae.fr