LIFEPLAN Cyclone Sampling protocol v1

Lifeplan is a global biodiversity monitoring project with the aim of assessing the current state of biodiversity worldwide, and using this knowledge to generate predictions of how biodiversity might look in the future. In this protocol we describe the materials and method used to sample fungal spores using a wind directional reverse flow cyclone sampler within the LIFEPLAN project. This is done on a global scale and in a wide variety of environmental conditions and habitats. The aim is to identify species in further analysis (e.g. DNA sequencing) and create species lists for different locations across the globe. This protocol contains a detailed description from setup of the cyclone sampler in the field to weekly data collection, as well as steps to remove objects such as insects or other organic matter, freeze dry the samples and collect necessary metadata to help in species identification. We identify the equipment used in Lifeplan, but also give technical specifications of that equipment so that other users of this protocol can find equivalent alternative equipment. We also specify what metadata should be collected with the cyclone sample data. The technical solution we use to collect metadata in the Lifeplan project is described in detail in the full Lifeplan protocol.It is critical that we employ standardized operating procedures for the cyclone sampling. Our coordinated efforts will ensure specimen preservation for sequence analysis and high data quality, permitting the comparison of sites at a global scale. For global standardization with the BIOSCAN initiative, of which LIFEPLAN is a part. The species identification process is outside the scope of this protocol and will be described elsewhere.