Dispersal of spores and pollen from crops

Fungal spores and pollens can be dispersed in a number of ways: by animals and insects; by water; by wind or by rain. This paper concentrates on the effects of wind on the dispersal of spores and pollen grains and the effects of rain on spore dispersal. For dispersal to be successful particles must complete three phases: removal, dispersal through the air and deposition. The biology of the organism and its environment can affect all three phases, however, once released the fate of all airborne particles largely depends on the laws of physics which govern the motion of the air. Many types of spore are actively ejected into the air while others are simply blown from the host surface. Particle size and shape affects dispersal and deposition phases. Local environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and light, as well as wind or rain, can play a key role in the removal of spores. Wind speed and turbulence or rainfall, largely determine spore dispersal, but, the size and shape of the particle, ...