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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #409583
Research Project: Knowledge Based Tools for Exotic and Emerging Diseases of Small Fruit and Nursery Crops

Location: Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit

Title: It’s a trap! Exploring the application of rotating-arm impaction samplers in plant pathology

Author
item CHECK, JILL - Michigan State University
item HARKNESS, REBECCA - Michigan State University
item HEGER, LEXI - Michigan State University
item CHILVERS, MARTIN - Michigan State University
item Mahaffee, Walter - Walt
item SAKALIDIS, MONIQUE - Michigan State University
item MILES, TIM - Michigan State University

Submitted to: Plant Disease
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/6/2023
Publication Date: 2/27/2024
Citation: Check, J., Harkness, R., Heger, L., Chilvers, M.I., Mahaffee, W.F., Sakalidis, M.L., Miles, T. 2024. It’s a trap! Exploring the application of rotating-arm impaction samplers in plant pathology. Plant Disease. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-23-2096-FE .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-23-2096-FE

Interpretive Summary: Monitoring air borne pathogen spread is becoming an important decision aid in agriculture. This article presents detailed considerations on the design, construction, deployment, and trouble shooting DIY rotating-arm impaction samplers. The work will able many other researchers and crop managers to build their own samplers and use air sampling as a decision tool for disease management.

Technical Abstract: More and more researchers are looking to understand the factors affecting microbial dispersion but are often limited by the costs of commercially available air samplers. Some have reduced these costs by designing self-made versions but it is often not clear the basis of design decisions and often there is limited information provided on the actual construction process which limits the use of these self-made samplers by others. This manuscript provides a guide to decision and constructing rotating-arm impaction air samplers by covering: 1) design considerations; 2) construction materials and equipment; 3) the construction process; and 4) deployment. Information regarding calculating necessary rotation velocity, motor speed, power requirements, and how to troubleshoot common issues with the self-made samplers is presented in an approachable format for individuals without experience in electronic or machining. While many of the components discussed in this guide may change in their availability or be updated over time, it is intended that this guide will serve as a “builder’s guide” for future research into air sampling technology for phytopathology research.