Release and dispersal of basidiospores from Amanita muscaria var. alba and their infiltration into a residence

Abstract

Release and dispersal of basidiospores of Amanita muscaria var. alba and their potential to infiltrate a nearby residence were investigated. Basidiospore release mainly occurred in the first three days following the expansion of the caps. The concentrations of released basidiospores near basidiomata were 77137, 75062, and 41738 spores m⁻³ in the first three days, respectively, with the highest concentration at 281738 spores m⁻³ air. After three days, the concentration dropped by 95%. At the second location, airborne basidiospore concentrations dropped 96–99% after three days with the concentrations of 940, 575, and 1359 spores m⁻³ in the first three days, respectively. The diurnal pattern showed a relatively extended night peak. Relative humidity and dew were positively correlated with basidiospore release and short distance dispersal. Rain and rain rate were positively correlated with basidiospore release, but not correlated with short distance dispersal. The basidiospore release period of Amanita muscaria var. alba was short, but within such a period it released a large amount of basidiospores. However, only less than 5% of basidiospores released were dispersed to the second location 5.2 m away and 2.7 m above the basidiomata. Only <0.1% of basidiospores dispersed from the basidiomata were found inside a nearby residence. Amanita muscaria var. alba showed a low potential of infiltrating the residence.