Bioaerosols and ecology are areas of science which are quickly gaining increasing interest but are seldom combined. Previous bioaerosol research has focused on fungal spores as potential allergens and recent studies have identified the importance of fungal spores in the ice nucleation process leading to cloud formation. This study tries to bridge the gap between bioaerosol research and ecology by focusing upon the diversity of fungal spore communities along a vertical gradient collected from a Japanese Forest using a mix of methods including portable pumps and drones. Aiming for an understanding in fungal biodiversity at different heights within a local scale, we focus upon shifts in daily patterns of fungal spore abundance, changes in seasonal fungal spore communities and their link to meteorological factors, namely temperature and humidity.

An important highlight to this research is the use of drones and their potential as bioaerosol samplers. By experimenting with a range of materials, we hope to find a suitable technique which utilises the versatility of drones to sample areas high above the canopy for fungal spores. Drones will allow many researchers and scientists across a range of disciplines to explore areas that are typically inaccessible. In order to analyse the fungal spore community, we will utilise high throughout sequencing to identify the fungal species that are present within the atmosphere.

The multidisciplinary approach to our research is necessary for increasing our overall understanding of fungal ecology and how it is related not only to large processes, i.e., climate and weather patterns but also their importance and prevalence across smaller spatial scales. Finally, as bioaerosol research with a focus on fungal spores is severely lacking from Japan, we provide an important addition to this often-overlooked aspect of nature.