BR102021012966A2 - Device for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere, method thereof and disease warning system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting fungal spores at high altitudes comprising a closed structure container, at least one chamber being connected to an inner end of the container, and at least one actuator connected to the closed end of the chamber. The present invention further relates to a method of collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere using apparatus and a disease alert system for Asian soybean rust.

Description

APPARATUS TO COLLECT FUNGAL SPORES FROM THE ATMOSPHERE, METHOD OF THE SAME AND DISEASE ALERT SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to the collection and identification of fungal spores. Particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting fungal spores at high altitudes and a method thereof.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[002] Fungal spores are ubiquitous components of the atmosphere and move across landscapes and their release shows different patterns. Many species release spores intermittently; others release spores at specific times of the day. Spores can originate from saprobes, pathogens or fungal symbionts. Atmospheric spore concentrations vary with climate, especially temperature, humidity, and wind, and therefore vary daily.

[003] Fungi are known to affect human well-being in a number of ways, including diseases of essential agricultural plants, decomposition of stored food with possible concomitant production of mycotoxins, superficial and systemic infection of human tissues, and diseases associated with immune stimulation, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and toxic pneumonitis. Plant diseases such as powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot rot all the roots and anthracnose is caused by different species of fungi.

[004] Generally, the presence of these fungal spores in crop areas is identified using disease warning systems based on meteorological variables such as rainfall, temperature and humidity forecast, but the initial entry of pathogens into the crop area is not considered. In some cases where the initial pathogen is considered, disease warning systems are based on spores captured closer to ground level.

[005] Document CN 207016771 describes a fungal spore collection device, including separation chamber, dust collection device and vacuum pump.

[006] CN 106978332 discloses a sampling apparatus for an airborne fungal spore.

[007] The document J. M. Hirst et al. describes measurement methods, vertical spore profiles, and detection of immigrant spores.

[008] Conventional forecasting systems do not consider the source of the detected spore and are based on local ground traps, by then it may be too late for fungicide application on crops. The correlation between the manifestation of the disease and the spores collected is minimal. Many other variables are assumed to obtain a disease forecast pattern, based intensively on meteorological conditions, crop variety, among others that are complex and cannot lead to an accurate forecast.

[009] Thus, there is an imminent need for a disease warning system, apparatus and fungal spore collection method to help farmers understand the origin of spores, their efficacy and genetic differentiation as well as the level of associated risk. weather conditions such as wind direction and rain forecast.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for collecting fungal spores in the atmosphere.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for collecting fungal spores at high altitudes.

[0012] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for collecting fungal spores to help farmers understand the origin of spores, their effectiveness and genetic differentiation.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for identifying the risk level of fungal spores associated with weather conditions such as wind direction and rain forecast.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a disease warning system for Asian soybean rust.

[0016] It is also another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for identifying collected spores as their sensitivity levels to fungicidal modes of action so that farmers can choose suitable fungicides to be used on crops.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere comprising:
- a container with a closed structure;
- at least one chamber being connected to an inner end of the container and
- at least one actuator connected to a closed end of the chamber;
- wherein the chamber is adapted to introduce at least one sample slide which comprises an adhesive layer and is adapted to capture fungal spores and
- in which the actuator allows the opening and closing of the chamber.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere comprising: - a container of closed structure, - a first chamber being connected to an inner end of the container, - a second chamber being connected to a inner end of the container, - a third chamber being connected to an inner end of the container, - a first one an actuator connected to a closed end of the first chamber, - a second one an actuator connected to a closed end of the second chamber, and - a third an actuator connected to a closed end of the third chamber, - wherein the chambers are adapted to introduce at least one sample slide comprising an adhesive layer and be adapted to capture fungal spores, and - wherein the actuators allow opening and closing the chambers.

[0019] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere which comprises:
The. providing an apparatus comprising a closed frame container, at least one chamber being connected to an inner end of the container and at least one actuator connected to the closed end of the chamber to a means of flight;
B. Allow mid-flight to reach an altitude
predetermined from ground level;
ç. Opening at least one chamber containing at least one specimen slide by activating at least one actuator using a control means when the means of flight reaches a predetermined altitude;
d. Allow the chamber to collect spores from the atmosphere;
and. Allow the means of flight to return to ground level;
and
f. Remove the sample slide containing
spores collected from the atmosphere.

[0020] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a disease warning system for Asian soybean rust, said system comprising:
- an apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere; said apparatus comprising:
- a container with a closed structure;
- at least one chamber being connected to an inner end of the container, and
- at least one actuator connected to the closed end of the chamber;
- a control unit operatively coupled to said apparatus and configured to send and/or receive data relating to any or a combination of fungal spores collected and data relating to metrological conditions and/or data relating to any or a combination of agricultural fields.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The accompanying figures are included to provide a greater understanding of the present description and are incorporated into and form a part of this report. The figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The diagrams are for illustration only, which is therefore not a limitation of current disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a preferred apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere of the present invention, in accordance with one of the preferred embodiments.

[0023] Figure 2 shows number of Phakopsora pachyrhizi spores collected in soil and varying altitudes of soil.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates the forecast of wind direction and intensity (m/s) by altitude of Paraguay that entered the region of Brazil on September 30, 2020.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates the forecast of wind direction and intensity (m/s) by altitude of Paraguay that entered the region of Brazil on October 1, 2020.

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates the forecast of accumulated rain (mm/day) on September 30, 2020.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates the forecast of accumulated rain (mm/day) on October 1, 2020.

[0028] Figure 7 illustrates microscopic images of Phakospora pachyrhizi collected from high altitudes.

[0029] Figure 8 illustrates a graphic representation of the number of spores collected at high altitudes in the soil of São Luiz Gonzaga - RS, Brazil.

[0030] Figure 9 illustrates the occurrence map of Asian Soybean Rust for the State of RS in the season from January to March 2021.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In order to promote understanding of the principles of the invention, references will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figure and specific language will be used to describe the same. It is understood, however, that it is therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention by such an embodiment, such additional changes and modifications to the illustrated system and such other applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein and as being contemplated therein would normally occur. to a person skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0032] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the general description of the prior art and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive.

[0033] Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a specific feature, structure or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, phrases such as "in a preferred embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0034] The use of "including or including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof is intended to cover the items listed below and the equivalents as well as additional items. The terms "one" and "one" here do not denote a quantity limitation, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first", "second" and "third", and the like here do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0035] The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") with respect to certain embodiments set forth herein is intended only to further clarify or detail the invention and does not represent a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention as claimed. No language in the specification should be interpreted as indicating any unsaid element essential to the realization of the invention.

[0036] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and defined individually or in any combination with other group members or other elements found here. One or more members of a group may be included or excluded from a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When such inclusion or exclusion occurs, the descriptive report is hereby deemed to contain the group as modified, thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the attached claims.

[0037] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The system, methods and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached figure.

[0039] The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere comprising:
- a container 1 of closed structure,
- at least one chamber 2 preferably connected to an inner end of the container 1 and
- at least one actuator 3 preferably connected to the closed end of the chamber 2.

[0040] In preferred embodiments, the fungal spores include but are not limited to Corynespora cassiicola, Cercospora spp., Erysiphe spp., Septoria glycines, Colletotrichum spp., Puccinia polysora, Puccinia sorghi, Exserohilum turcicum, Cercospora zeae-maydis, Stenocarpella maydis , Ramularia areola, P. recondita f. sp. tritici, Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici, Drechslera tritici repentis, Pyricularia grisea, Gibberella zeae, Alternaria spp., Botrytis spp., Venturia spp., Plasmopora spp., Phomopsis spp., Diplocarpon rosae, Fusarium spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Verticillium spp., Magnaporthe grisea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Rhizoctonia solani, Phakospora pachyrhizi, Ganoderma zonatum, Myxomycetes, Pythium spp., and Phytophthora spp.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the fungal spores are Phakospora pachyrhizi.

[0042] In one embodiment, the open end of the chamber is connected to the inner end of the container.

[0043] In one embodiment, the chamber is adapted to introduce at least one sample slide comprising an adhesive layer and is adapted to capture the fungal spores. In one embodiment, the chamber comprises a tray for adopting the sample slide.

[0044] In one embodiment, the chamber is configured to open and close at a predetermined altitude for a predetermined time interval. In one embodiment, the predetermined altitude ranges from 100 m to 10,000 m above ground level. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined altitude ranges from 500 m to 5000 m above ground level. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined altitude ranges from 500 m to 1500 m above ground level. In one embodiment, the predetermined time interval is 1 minute or more. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined time interval is between 1 minute and 300 minutes. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined time interval is between 5 minutes and 20 minutes.

[0045] In one embodiment, the sample slide is made of materials selected from glass and fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the sample slide is made of glass.

[0046] In one embodiment, the actuator allows opening and closing of the chamber. In one embodiment, the actuator is operated using control means selected from remote sensor, Bluetooth and wireless networking.

[0047] By way of a non-limiting example, the apparatus is capable of being connected to a means of flight. In one embodiment, the means of flight include, but are not limited to, balloons, aircraft, and drones.

[0048] In one embodiment, the apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere allows the collection of fungal spores from high altitudes. Thus, the fungal spores collected are further evaluated to identify the specific fungal spores collected on the sample slide.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Notwithstanding the above, the first chamber 2a, the second chamber 2b and the third chamber 2c are collectively referred to as chambers 2. Notwithstanding the above, the first actuator 3a, the second actuator 3b and the third actuator 3c are collectively called actuators 3 .

[0050] Referring to figure 1, an apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere comprises a container 1 of closed structure, a first chamber 2a being connected to an inner end of the container 1, a second chamber 2b being connected to a inner end of the container 1, a third chamber 2c being connected to an inner end of the container 1, a first actuator 3a connected to the closed end of the first chamber 2a, a second actuator 3b connected to the closed end of the second chamber 2b and a third actuator 3c connected to the closed end of the third chamber 2c. The first, second and third chambers 2 (2a, 2b, 2c) are placed next to each other. Each chamber 2 is adapted to introduce at least one sample slide 4 which comprises an adhesive layer and allows for the capture of fungal spores. The first, second and third actuators 3 (3a, 3b, 3c) allow the opening and closing of the first, second and third chambers 2 respectively. The actuators 3 are fixed to the container 1 using a bracket 5. The end of each actuator 3 is connected to the other end of each chamber 2. The other end of each actuator 3 is connected to a bracket 5. The chamber comprises a tray 6 for Adopt the sample slide.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first chamber 2a is configured to open at a first predetermined altitude above ground level. The second chamber 2b is configured to open at a second predetermined altitude greater than the first predetermined altitude. The third chamber 2c is configured to open at a predetermined third altitude higher than the predetermined second altitude. In a preferred embodiment, the first predetermined altitude is 500 m above ground level. Preferably, the second predetermined altitude is 1000 m above ground level. More preferably, the third predetermined altitude is 1500 m above ground level.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the first, second and third chambers 2 are configured to open for predetermined time interval. In a preferred embodiment, the first, second and third chambers 2 are configured to open for 10 minutes to 30 minutes. More preferably, the first, second and third chambers 2 are configured to open for 20 minutes.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method of collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere that comprises the steps of fixing in a means of flight an apparatus comprising a container 1 of closed structure, at least one chamber 2 being connected to an inner end of container 1 and at least one actuator 3 connected to the closed end of chamber 2, allowing the means of flight to reach a predetermined altitude from ground level and at least one actuator 3 connected to the end chamber 2, allowing the means of flight to reach a predetermined altitude from ground level and at least one actuator connected to the closed end of the chamber, opening at least one chamber 2 containing at least one sample slide 4 activating at least an actuator 3, use a means of control when the means of flight reaches a predetermined altitude, allow the chamber 2 to collect spores from the atmosphere, allow the means of flight to return m at ground level and remove from chamber 2 the sample slides 4 containing spores collected from the atmosphere.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the sample slide 4 comprises an adhesive layer. Preferably, the adhesive layer of the sample slide 4 allows fungal spores in the atmosphere to adhere to it, thereby capturing the fungal spores.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the method also allows capturing data related to meteorological conditions, such as prevailing wind direction at altitudes of collection and rain forecast.

[0056] Also, the fungal spores collected can be further analyzed to determine the fungal species and spore number and viability. They can also be identified with resistance genes and used to assess the evolution of the disease in fields closer to the device. Furthermore, fungal spores collected can be compared with spore data collected at ground level.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the method of collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere allows identifying which pesticides should be used in the region where fungal spores are collected. The method makes it possible to determine an appropriate time for spraying agrochemicals and choosing the most suitable fungicides to protect crops.

[0058] In one embodiment, the appropriate time interval for spraying agrochemical components and the choice of the most suitable fungicides to protect crops are determined based on data relating to any or a combination of fungal spores collected and data relating to weather conditions.

[0059] In one embodiment, crops include, but are not limited to, Brassicas such as Asian brassicas, onions, peas, lettuce, celery, spinach, kale, herbs, cucumbers, cucumbers, melons, squash, zucchini, parsley, beets, potatoes peas, bitter melon, tomato, peppers, brussels sprouts, cabbage, swedes, beans, soybeans, carrots, garlic, chives, leeks, eggplant, sweet potatoes and corn. The preferred crop of the present invention is soybean.

[0060] In one embodiment, the means of flight include, but are not limited to, balloons, aircraft, and drones.

[0061] In one embodiment, the pesticides to be used in the method of the present invention may include any or a combination of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, herbicides, nematicides, and nutrient-rich chemicals, but not limited to the like. Preferably, the agrochemical to be used is a fungicide.

[0062] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a disease warning system that comprises an apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere; said apparatus comprising a container 1 of closed structure, at least one chamber 2 being connected to an inner end of the container 1 and at least one actuator 3 connected to the closed end of the chamber 2 and a control unit operatively coupled to the configurable apparatus to send and/or receive data relating to any or a combination of fungal spores collected, data relating to metrological conditions and/or data relating to any or a combination of agricultural fields.

[0063] In one embodiment, the disease alert system allows one or more operational users to connect to a network of the system to allow operational users to feed data relating to any or a combination of fungal spores collected. Data relating to any or a combination of fungal spores collected include, but are not limited to, fungal species, spore sensitivity, spore number and viability, result of identification of spores with resistance genes, result of assessment of disease course in fields closer to the device, agrochemicals to be used and result of comparison with data collected at ground level. In one embodiment, the pesticides to be used may include any or a combination of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, herbicides, nematicides, and nutrient-rich chemicals, but not limited to the like.

[0064] In one embodiment, the system even allows the operational user to connect to a system network to allow operational users to feed data relating to weather conditions, such as prevailing wind direction at collection altitudes, rain forecast and intensity. from the rain. Weather data further allows operational users to understand where and when to start collecting spores from the atmosphere.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit can be positioned at a remote location and can be configured to send and/or receive data relating to any or a combination of the fungal spores collected from the remote location by wireless/ wired, but not limited to these and the like.

[0066] In one embodiment, the system can be implemented in the form of a network where end users can be connected to the system. The system may include one or more operational users who can connect to the end users and the system over the network. Preferably, the end users are farmers.

[0067] In one embodiment, the disease alert system allows one or more end users to connect to a system network to allow end users to feed data relating to any or a combination of agricultural fields. Data relating to any or a combination of agricultural fields includes, but is not limited to, agricultural area polygon coordinates, crop name and sowing date.

[0068] In one embodiment, the system makes it possible to determine the risks of the disease in one or more regions. In one embodiment, disease risks in one or more regions are determined based on data related to fungal spores captured at high altitude or at ground level for one or more regions of wind flow, occurrence of rain in the region where fungal spores are collected, fungal spores captured from ground-level raindrops and weather conditions in one or more regions prior to spore collection.

[0069] In one embodiment, the system allows for bifurcating disease risks into one or more regions from low risk to extremely high risk. In one embodiment, the system can automatically determine which pesticides to use based on disease risks. The system can also send this data related to the pesticides to be used to the end users so that the end users can use the appropriate agrochemical on the crops at the right time.

[0070] In one embodiment, the system allows for the bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions from very low risk to extremely high risk based on spore collections at altitude and favorable conditions of soil, wind, rain and weather. , and parameters of the harvest cycle of days after sowing and sowing date.

[0071] In one embodiment, the system allows for bifurcation of disease risks in one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on the favorability of meteorological parameters. Meteorological parameters include air humidity, average temperature, point of depression of the divalho and maximum temperature.

[0072] In one embodiment, the system allows bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on the number of spores collected closer to the ground. In another embodiment, the system allows for bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on wind direction at 500 meters from the ground. In another embodiment, the system allows for bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on wind direction at 1000 meters from the ground. In another embodiment, the system allows for bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on the number of spores collected at altitude. In another embodiment, the system allows for bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on rainfall duration. In another embodiment, the system allows for the bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on rainfall intensity. In one embodiment, the system allows for the bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on the number of spores collected closer to the ground. In another embodiment, the system allows for bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on the sowing date of the crop. In another embodiment, the system allows for bifurcation of disease risks into one or more regions, from low risk to high risk based on days after sowing the crop.

[0073] Therefore, in one embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises collecting spores periodically, after a 15-day interval between each collection.

[0074] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises collecting spores at high altitudes of the ground periodically, following an interval of 10 to 20 days of significant wind direction. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises collecting spores at high altitudes of the ground periodically, after an interval of 10 to 20 days of wind flow with an intensity of at least 15 km/h and a durability of at least 12 hours, one day before spore collection.

[0075] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises collecting spores within a 12 hour period after an intense wind flow occurrence.

[0076] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises collecting spores within a period of 12 hours after an intense occurrence of wind flow of at least 50 km/h at 1000 m with a minimum duration of 12 continuous hours.

[0077] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises collecting spores within a period of 12 hours after a rainfall of at least 5 mm/day.

[0078] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises collecting spores within a period of 12 hours after a rainfall of at least 7 mm/day.

[0079] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises collecting spores within a period of 12 hours after a rainfall of at least 8 mm/day.

[0080] In one embodiment, the system can be further implemented using any or a combination of hardware components and software components, such as a cloud, a server, a computing system, a computing device, a network device, and the like. . In addition, the system can interact with operational users and end users through a mobile application that can reside on the mobile devices of operational users and end users. In one implementation, the system can be accessed by application that can be configured with any operating system, including but not limited to Android, iOS and the like.

[0081] Also, the network can be a wireless network (wi-fi), a wired network or a combination of these that can be implemented as one of different types of networks such as Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet and the like. Also, the network can be a dedicated network or a shared network. Shared network can represent an association of different types of networks that can use various protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and the like.

[0082] In one embodiment, the system can facilitate an interaction between operational users and end users over the network. Operational users can upload a dataset relating to any or combination of fungal spores collected to the system using mobile devices. The system can receive the data and transmit the received data to end users' mobile devices. Data relating to any or a combination of fungal spores collected include, but are not limited to, fungal species, spore sensitivity, spore number and viability, result of identification of spores with resistance genes, result of assessment of disease course in fields closer to the device, agrochemicals to be used and result of comparison with data collected at ground level. The system can send this data regarding the pesticides to be used to the end users so that the end users can use the right pesticide on the crops at the right time.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, mobile devices may include, but are not limited to, portable, laptop, computer, and portable computing devices.

[0084] In one embodiment, the system can facilitate authentication of operational uses and end users so that only authorized users can access the system.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a disease warning system for Asian soybean rust comprising an apparatus for collecting Phakopsora pachyrhizi from the atmosphere; said apparatus comprising a container 1 of closed structure, at least one chamber 2 being connected to an inner end of the container 1, and at least one actuator 3 connected to the closed end of the chamber 2 and a control unit operatively coupled to the apparatus which can be configured to send and/or receive data relating to any or a combination of Phakopsora pachyrhizi collected.

[0086] As used here, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other or in contact with each other) and indirect coupling ( in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled" and "coupled" are used synonymously. In the context of this document, the terms "coupled" and "coupled" are also used euphemistically to mean "communicatively coupled" in a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly through one or more devices. intermediary.

[0087] Advantageously, the present invention allows the collection of fungal spores to help farmers understand the origin of the spores, their effectiveness and genetic differentiation, as well as the level of risk associated with weather conditions such as wind direction and rainfall forecast.

[0088] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and other embodiments of the invention can be conceived without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Examples:

[0089] Example 1: Tests were carried out to validate whether the apparatus of the present invention is able to collect Phakopsora pachyrhizi spores at altitude and identify the best ground altitude to collect spores and identify the role of wind flows and rainy cloud formation in the spore flow. In the examples, the terms 'Asian Soybean Rust' (ASR) and 'Phakopsora pachyrhizi' are used interchangeably. Phakopsora pachyrhizi is an obligate biotrophic pathogen that causes Asian soybean rust.

[0090] Spore collection at high altitudes of the ground:

[0091] The apparatus for collecting fungal spores according to the present invention was attached to an aircraft and operated remotely from the cockpit to fly in the city of São Luiz Gonzaga, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The days chosen to fly were the 16th, 19th and 20th of March 2020. These days were selected on purpose because rain was expected for the 17th and 18th of March 2020, which made it possible to verify the influence of the occurrence of rains on the dynamics of spores in the atmosphere. A specific flight time of 15:00 was adhered to when weather conditions were more favorable for spores moving due to thermal inversion.

[0092] The pilot inside the cockpit opens the aircraft's chambers when the desired altitude is reached using a radio remote control. Each chamber in the apparatus of the present invention comprises a microscopic glass slide fixed with an adhesive to retain the spore when opened. The chambers were opened at altitudes at 500 m, 1000 m and 1500 m above the ground, respectively. Each chamber was open for 20 minutes, only one chamber was opened at a time. During the flight between altitude and/or during takeoff and landing, the chambers were kept closed to avoid interference from particles and spores at unwanted heights or closer to the ground. After collecting the spores from the desired altitudes of 500 m, 1000 m and 1500 m from the ground, the slides of each chamber were removed and taken to the laboratory for spore counting.

[0093] Soil spore collection:

[0094] An earth pore trap containing a glass slide was positioned in a soybean cultivation area 500 meters from the aircraft's landing strip. Land collections were performed in two ways: in the same period of time used for the flights (~1 hour) and 24 hours after the flight (during the night).

[0095] Results:

[0096] Figure 2 shows the number of Phakopsora pachyrhizi spores collected in the soil and varying altitudes of the soil. Table 1 shows comparison of meteorological conditions and spore collection at ground altitudes.

[0097] From the above table and from Figure 2 it is evident that the apparatus of the present invention was able to collect Asian soybean rust spores at high altitudes of the soil. In addition, it was clear that only after a significant occurrence of rain, it was possible to collect spores closer to the ground, which establishes that the impact of the occurrence of rain was positive in the collection of spores. In addition, when there was an intense flow of wind from Paraguay to the city of Trial, for a period of 12 hours, it was possible to collect spores at high altitude on the ground in the following days. As the wind from March 19th changed direction, the number of spores collected on March 20th was lower. More studies were carried out to corroborate the confirmation of this observation in Example 2.

[0098] Example 2: Tests were carried out to validate the meteorological model to predict when the wind drives and the best days to fly the plane and capture fungal spores at high altitude from the ground, and verify how the spores collected on the ground, wind direction and rainfall are correlated with the occurrence of diseases in soybean areas in the State of RS in the 2020/2021 season. In addition, the possibility of capturing spores from the rain was evaluated.

[0099] Spore collection in high altitude soil:

[00100] The fungal spore collection apparatus according to the present invention was attached to an aircraft and operated remotely from the cockpit to fly in the city of São Luiz Gonzaga, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The days chosen to fly were September 30, October 1, October 15, October 16, October 19, October 20, November 23 to November 25, 2020 and January 5, 2021. These days were selected with the aid of a weather forecast of wind direction, so that the aircraft could be operated under different wind directions to verify its effect on the number of spores collected. A specific flight time of 15:00 was adhered to when weather conditions were more favorable for spores moving due to thermal inversion.

[00101] The pilot inside the cockpit opened the aircraft's chambers when the desired altitude is reached using a radio remote control. Each chamber in the apparatus of the present invention comprises a microscopic glass slide fixed with an adhesive to retain the spore when opened. The chambers were opened at altitudes of 500 m and 1000 m above the ground, respectively. Each chamber was open for 20-25 minutes, only one chamber was opened at a time. During the flight between altitudes and/or during takeoff and landing, the chambers were kept closed to avoid interference from particles and spores at unwanted heights or closer to the ground. After collecting the spores from the desired altitudes of 500 m and 1000 m from the ground, the slides from each chamber were removed and taken to the laboratory for spore counting.

[00102] A meteorological model to predict the wind direction was made. The model predicted wind direction and behavior to guide spore collections high above the ground. Sentinel areas were monitored.

[00103] Spore collection in high altitude soil:

[00104] A terrestrial spore trap and a rain gauge were placed in two cities: Santo Ângelo - RS and Santa Maria - RS, which were 80 and 250 km, respectively, away from the aircraft in São Luiz Gonzaga - RS. Ground collections were made for one hour after the aircraft took off. In addition to Santo Ângelo and Santa Maria, the entire state of Rio Grande do Sul was monitored using commercially available terrestrial spore collection devices.

[00105] Results:

[00106] Figures 3 and 4 show the Weather Forecast Reports that were used to guide the aircraft. Figure 7a-7c shows microscopic images of Phakospora Pachyrhizi collected from high altitudes. The table below 2 shows the number of spores collected at ground level and at altitudes of 500 m and 1000 m from ground level.

[00107] Figure 8 shows a graphical representation of the number of spores collected at high altitudes from the ground. It can be seen from Figure 3 that the wind intensity from Paraguay entering the Brazil region was > 50 km/h for up to 12 hours on 30 September. From Figure 8, it is evident that one day after strong wind intensity, that is, on October 1, the high number of spores collected when compared to the spore collection on September 30. Also, as can be seen from Figure 6, 10 mm rain occurred on October 14th. From Figure 8, it is evident that one day after the occurrence of rain, that is, on October 14, the high number of spores collected at ground level when compared to the collection of spores at high altitudes.

[00108] Therefore, it is conclusive that the meteorological model was an important guide to determine the collection time. From the examples and figures above, it can be concluded that when the forecast predicted high wind intensity from Paraguay, spore collection at high altitude above ground level was higher. Likewise, when the wind intensity was not favorable, the number of spores collected was lower.

[00109] Example 3: Comparative study for soil spore collection was carried out in Rio Grande do Sul to detect Asian Soybean Rust (ASR) in commercial areas. Data sources listed commercially below were used.
1. For terrestrial spore detection -
http://www.emater.tche.br/site/monitora-ferrugem-rs/home
2. For ARS detection in commercial areas -
http://www.consorcioantiferrugem.net/
3. For wind direction occurrence - www.ventusky.com
4. In case of rain -
https://www.agritempo.gov.br/agritempo/index.jsp

[00110] Figure 9 represents the map of occurrence of Asian Soybean Rust for the State of RS in the season from January to March 2021. Each line of the map represents each municipality in the State of RS. Each column represents the day. In this study, 61 municipalities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul were considered. The representations on the map are as follows:
1. 'x' indicates identification of ASR in the soybean field.
2. indicates the day from which a first ASR spore
was detected in earth collectors.
3. indicates the day when the wind flows from Paraguay
started.
4. indicates days with 5 to 10 mm rain.
5. indicates days with 10 to 15 mm rain.
6. indicates days with more than 15 mm of rain.

[00111] From Figure 9, it was evident that for all municipalities in the State of RS, the occurrence of ASD in commercial soybean fields was detected after wind currents from Paraguay from 50 km/h to 1000 m with a minimum duration of 12 hours continuous and followed by rain of at least 5 mm/day over the next few days. For 24 municipalities, ASD symptoms were detected after collecting Phakopsora Pachyrhizi closer to the ground. On average, 21 days after detection of spores in the soil, the first symptoms of ASD were identified for these 24 municipalities. For 98% of the municipalities in the State of RS, ASD symptoms were detected after the occurrence of a minimum rainfall of 5 mm/day days before. On average, 5-6 days after the 5 mm/day rain was necessary to identify the first ASR symptoms in these municipalities. On average, it took 10-11 days with a minimum rainfall of 5 mm/day within a 20-day interval for the first symptoms of ASR to be detected in 98% of the municipalities. On average, it took rain from 7 to 8 mm/day within 20 days for the first symptoms of ASR to be detected in 98% of the municipalities. For 98% of the municipalities in the State of RS, the symptoms of ASR were only detected after the occurrence of high altitude wind currents in the soybean regions of Paraguay. On average, 13 days after the last 50km/h of wind were needed for the first symptoms of ASR to be detected in 98% of the municipalities.

[00112] It can be concluded that the prediction of Asian Soybean Rust in commercial soybean fields in the State of RS was not possible simply by monitoring spores collected in terrestrial collectors, since for 37 regions out of 61 in total, the symptoms of the disease were detected before spore collection.

[00113] 136 occurrences of Asian Soybean Rust were recorded in commercial areas of 61 municipalities from January 1 to March 15, 2021. For 20% of the total detections and 60% of the municipalities, the disease was recorded before the collection of spores by the soil collector. On the other hand, for 98% of all occurrences and municipalities, the symptoms of the disease were detected after the wind from Paraguay, followed by the occurrence of rain in the next few days. Both the wind direction and the occurrence of rain proved to be the two most reliable variables to predict the occurrence of ASR in the State of RS.

[00114] Therefore, the present invention advantageously detects Asian Soybean Rust even before the spore reaches ground level. Thus, allowing farmers to understand the origin of spores, their effectiveness and genetic differentiation, as well as the level of risk associated with weather conditions such as wind direction and rain forecast.

Claims (12)

Apparatus for collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere characterized by comprising:
- a container (1) of closed structure;
- at least one chamber (2); and
- at least one actuator (3);
- wherein the chamber (2) is adapted to introduce at least one sample slide (4) which comprises an adhesive layer and is adapted to capture fungal spores; and
- wherein the actuator (3) allows the opening and closing of said chamber (2). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber (2) is connected to an inner end of the container (1) and the actuator (3) is connected to the closed end of the chamber (2). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the apparatus is capable of being connected to a means of flight. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the chamber (2) comprises a tray (6) for adopting the sample slide (4). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises:
- a container (1) of closed structure;
- a first chamber (2a) being connected to an inner end of the container (1);
- a second chamber (2b) being connected to a
inner end of the container (1);
- a third chamber (2c) being connected to a
inner end of the container (1);
- a first actuator (3a) connected to the end
closed of the first chamber (2a);
- a second actuator (3b) connected to the closed end of the second chamber (2b); and
- a third actuator (3c) connected to the end
closed third chamber (2c). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the chamber (2) is configured to open and close at a predetermined altitude ranging from 100 m to 10,000 m above ground level for a predetermined time interval of at least minus 1 minute. Method of collecting fungal spores from the atmosphere
characterized by understanding:
The. Attaching an apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 to a means of flight;
B. Allow the means of flight to reach a predetermined altitude from ground level;
ç. Opening at least one chamber (2) containing at least one specimen slide (4) activating at least one actuator (3) using a control means when the means of flight reaches a predetermined altitude;
d. Allow the chamber (2) to collect spores from the atmosphere;
and. Allow the means of flight to return to ground level; and
f. Remove from the chamber (2) the sample slide (4) containing spores collected from the atmosphere. Disease alert system characterized by
understand:
The. an apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6; and
B. a control unit operatively coupled to said apparatus and configured to send and/or receive data relating to any or a combination of fungal spores collected, data relating to metrological conditions and/or data relating to any or a combination of agricultural fields. Disease alert system according to claim 8, characterized in that the data relating to any or a combination of fungal spores collected are selected from a group of fungal species, spore sensitivity, spore number and viability, as a result of the identification of spores with resistance genes, result of the evaluation of the evolution of the disease in fields closer to the device, pesticides to be used and comparison with data collected at ground level. Disease alert system according to claim 8, characterized in that the data relating to metrological conditions are selected from a group of predominant wind direction at collection altitudes, wind intensity, rain forecast and rain intensity. Disease alert system according to claim 8, characterized in that data relating to any or a combination of agricultural field is selected from a group of agricultural area polygon coordinates, crop name and sowing date. Disease alert system according to claim 8, characterized in that it allows the bifurcation of disease risks in one or more regions from low risk to high risk.

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