ANNUAL AND DIURNAL INCIDENCE OF CLADOSPORIUM-CONIDIA IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF CORDOBA, SPAIN

The presence of Cladosporium conidia in the atmosphere of Cordoba, a c ity in Southern Spain, was studied. Samplings were carried out over a three-year period in the form of hourly analyses by use of a Hirst vol umetric inert collection medium trap, located 15 meters above ground l evel. The results obtained suggest that conidia from species of this g enus are present in the atmosphere of Cordoba throughout the year. The mean of the concentrations obtained during the study period was 1065 conidia/m(3) day. The conidium concentration show a markedly seasonal variation pattern, with two annual peaks (one in June and the other in September-October). The incidence of Cladosporium conidia in Cordoba appears to be determined mainly by the temperature and relative humidi ty As regards intradiurnal variation, the number of Cladosporium conid ia peaks between 8 and 10 pm, with a minimum between 5 and 6 am.