Spore trapping and counting is extensively used in crop protection to:
- determine the concentration of pathogenic spores carried by wind
- forecast a disease outbreak
- get facts about periodicity of spore showers on crops as one of several infection requirements
- determine correct timing of protectant sprays and other control measures.
Spore trapping and counting also provide useful information about airborne spores that cause respiratory allergies such as rhinitis, asthma, and farmers’ lung disease. In building environments, spore counting and trapping can be used for detecting dry rot or other hidden mould. Although there are no acceptable levels of airborne fungal concentration in indoor environment, spore trapping and counting can also help in determining if occupants were potentially exposed to high levels of allergenic fungal spores.