Life is in the air: An expedition into the Amazonian atmosphere

Biological particles suspended in the atmosphere have a crucial role dynamics of biosphere underneath. Although much attention is paid for chemical and physical properties these particles, their biological taxonomic identity, which relevant ecological research, remains little studied. We took air samples at 300 meters above forest central Amazonia, seven periods 7 days, used high-throughput DNA sequencing techniques to taxonomically identify airborne fungal plant material. The use molecular identification technique improved resolution when compared morphological identification. This first appraisal diversity showed that composition was strikingly different from what has been recorded anthropogenic regions. For instance, basidiospores reached 30% OTUs instead 3–5% as found literature; orders Capnodiales Eurotiales—to many allergenic fungi crop pathogens belong—were less frequently than Pleosporales, Polyporales, Agaricales. Plant corresponded mainly Amazonian taxa present pollen records such genera Helicostilys Cecropia and/or very abundant region Pourouma Pouteria . origin extra-Amazonian material unknown, but they belong predominantly wind-pollinated angiosperm families Poaceae Betulaceae. Finally, detection two bryophyte feeds debate about long distance dispersal distribution plants.