Allergenicity of the ornamental urban flora: ecological and aerobiological analyses in C��rdoba (Spain) and Ascoli Piceno (Italy)

Comparative ecological and aerobiological analyses of ornamental urban flora in the cities of Córdoba (Spain) and Ascoli Piceno (Italy) identified a group of plants with allergenic pollen whose behaviour is influenced by a number of factors. The geographical position and the resulting climate of both cities favoured the presence of Mediterranean species. In Córdoba, strongly allergenic evergreens introduced during the Moorish period predominated (Cupressus sempervirens, among others), while in the urban area of Ascoli Piceno, Pinaceae were abundant. In both cities, many species of American origin have been introduced for aesthetic reasons, contributing to an increase in the overall allergenicity of urban greenery. The pollen spectrum differed between the two cities: airborne Oleaceae and Cupressaceae pollen abounded in Córdoba, whilst allergenic pollen from surrounding natural environments (Corylaceae) predominated in Ascoli Piceno. These results pointed to a large number of potentially allergenic species in cities, thus highlighting the importance of greater ecological and aerobiological knowledge of allergenic species of urban ornamental flora. Avoidance of more allergenic species when planning new urban green areas could ensure healthier environments for pollen-allergy sufferers.     

Aeropalynological study of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> in the Braga region (1999–2003)

This study shows the results of Vitis vinifera pollen season in the atmosphere of the Braga region (Portugal) for the last 5 years (1999–2003). The fluctuations in the airborne pollen concentration, the synchronic rhythms in the annual pollen trends and their relationship to the main meteorological parameters were investigated. The vineyard pollen season extends from late May to early July, presenting always a bimodal pattern. During the studied period several pollen types such as Poaceae, Castanea, Olea, Urticaceae, Quercus, Plantago, Rumex, Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Ericaceae and Eucalyptus were also observed. Airborne pollen concentration is highly influenced by mean temperature, rain, number of days with rain and wind direction.     

Trends in airborne pollen: An overview of 21 years of data in Neuchâtel (Switzerland)

Airborne pollen analysis has been carried outin Neuchâtel (Switzerland) since 1979. Inthe context of increasing prevalence of pollenallergies and global climate warming, thisstudy attempts to confirm whether airbornepollen may be responsible for the former orindicative of the latter, and presents somegeneral features of pollen flight in westernSwitzerland. The most common pollen types are Taxus/Cupressaceae, Quercus, Poaceae, Pinus,Betula, Urticaceae and Fraxinus. Duringthe 21 years studied, there was no major changein the abundance of pollen. Among thetwenty-five taxa studied only five presented asignificant trend: an increase of pollenquantities was observed for Alnus,Ambrosia, Artemisia and Taxus/Cupressaceae and a decrease for Ulmus. The plant species flowering in winterand in spring were influenced by the mildwinters of the 1990s: 71% of the dates of theonset or the end of the pollen seasons nowadaysoccur significantly earlier in the year. Theobserved advance reaches 0.84 days/year. Treesappear to react stronger to the climate changethan grass and weeds. No pollen type present aprolonged season, so the trend appears to betowards a shift in the timing of pollenpresence in the air. These observations show that the main cause ofthe spectacular increase of pollinosisprevalence in industrialised countries isprobably not to be found in the weak tendencytowards a rise of pollen abundance, except forsome particular pollen types which can broadenthe spectra and/or intensify the abundance ofmajor allergens present in an area. However,airborne pollen is confirmed to be a sensitiveindicator of climate change. The observedshifts in the pollen seasons make necessary theadequate information for people concerned withpollen allergies, in particular for preventionand therapy purposes.     

Secondary pollen types characteristic of Louisiana honeys

Nine secondary pollen types (those comprising 16–45% of the pollen sample) were recovered from 54 honey samples (10 g) collected from the major beekeeping areas of Louisiana. The pollen types in order of decreasing importance are:Berchemia scandens, rattan vine;Rubus spp., blackberry and dewberry;Salix spp., willow;Trifolium repens, white clover;Glycine max, soybean;Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Virginia creeper; Rosaceae, rose family;Cephalanthus occidentalis, buttonbush; andCornus spp., dogwood. The first four secondary types also appeared as dominant pollen (over 45%) in some of the Louisiana honey samples investigated and were previously reported. The remaining five pollen types and the “bee plants” associated with each pollen type are identified and described.     

Pollen spectrum in Northern Tunis,Tunisia

This study has been focused on airborne pollen concentration in Northern Tunis. Pollen has been detected by a volumetric Hirst-type spore trap. This suction sampler was placed for two hydrologic years in the area of Mornag, northeastof Tunisia (36°40N; 10°17E). Fifty-two taxa were identified with heterogeneous daily pollen concentrations and a dominance of anemophilous plants. The main pollen types detected in the atmosphere were Olea europaea (38.7 and 20.75%), Cupressus (33.57 and 55.4%), Urticaceae (9.22 and 12.24%), Poaceae (3.55 and 3.32%), Mercurialis annua (2.96 and 1.6%) and Amaranthaceae (2.49 and 1.55%). The monthly pollen spectrum indicated a seasonal periodicity of airborne pollen with the main pollen season during spring. Two pollen seasons have been observed during these hydrologic years, due to both Cupressus and Amaranthaceae airborne pollen is represented during winter or spring, and also during autumn and late summer, respectively. Other pollen types represent a long pollen season, i.e., Urticaceae, starting in autumn and following until late spring. Daily pollen concentration showed a different behavior during the flowering season between both years, observing differences related to pollen index. Correlation between daily pollen concentrations of the dominant taxa showed a positive and significant correlation between airborne pollen concentrations of spring-pollinated taxa and mean temperature, but negative with maximum temperature, humidity and rainfall. In the case of minimum temperature, a different response, positive for trees and negative for herbaceous plants, has been observed.     

Annual pollen spectrum in the air of Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

This aeropalynological study documented the pollen of 13 taxa with the highest concentration in the air of Palma de Mallorca during the years 2004–2010, using a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap. The taxa were Cupressaceae, Olea europaea, Platanus hispanica, Pinus spp., Parietaria judaica, Urtica membranacea, Quercus ilex, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Plantago spp., Castanea sativa, Pistacia lentiscus and Betula spp. These taxa accounted for 91.85 % of the total annual pollen recorded during the period. The mean annual pollen index was 20,027. The highest pollen counts occurred in February–June, representing 88.74 % of the annual total collected. Every year, there was a substantial increase in the concentration and types of pollen from March to May, followed by a decrease from July to January. The maximum annual total pollen count was recorded in 2005 with 25,870 and the minimum in 2009 with 14,726. The mean daily average pollen concentration count showed a declining trend over the study period. With respect to seasonal phases analysed, the later phase of the pollen season is more variable than the beginning. To observe the overall dynamics of the different pollen types better, a pollen calendar was established for Palma de Mallorca. The pollen calendar had typical Mediterranean features and is a useful tool for allergological and botanical awareness.     

Ricerche sulle concentrazioni aeropolliniche diCupressaceae ePinaceae nell'atmosfera di Cagliari e considerazioni sul loro potere allergizzante

Riassunto Scopo della Ricerca è quello di stabilire le concentrazioni aeree periodiche dei pollini diCupressaceae ePinaceae rilevate nell'atmosfera di Cagliari e accertare l'esistenza di correlazioni tra queste e le sindromi allergiche manifestantesi nel periodo invernale-primaverile. Su un campione significativo di 1000 pazienti, di sesso ed età diversa, sono risultati sensibilizzati ai pollini di pini, tuie, cipressi e cedri 141 soggetti. Dalle indagini allergologiche non traspare tuttavia chiaramente il ruolo etiologico delleCupressaceae ePinaceae per le quali peraltro non si sono riscontrate mai monosensibilizzazioni. I campionamenti aeropollinici hanno permesso di identificare alcuni aspetti fenogici ed actupalinologici utili per meglio interpretare i bioritmi delle due famiglie anche in funzione degli agenti climatici.      

An observation study of airborne pollen fall in Didim (SW Turkey): years 2004–2005

Pollen grains in the atmosphere of Didim, collected using a Durham sampler, were investigated in 2004 and 2005. Weekly pollen grains per square centimetre were calculated. Over a period of 2 years, 17,518 pollen grains/cm² belonging to 40 taxa and unidentified pollen grains were recorded. In 2004, 9,879 pollen grains were counted per cm², and in 2005 the value was 7,639 per cm². The majority of pollen grains investigated were Pinus spp. (45.58%), Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (13.49%), Olea spp. (9.19%), Platanus spp. (7.62%), Gramineae (6.33%), Pistacia spp. (4.34%), Morus spp. (3.81%), Quercus spp. (2.02%), Abies spp. (1.39%), and Plantago spp. (1.11%). During the month of April, 40.46% of total pollen grains were recorded. According to our results, pollen season durations for the dominated pollen grains in Didim were: the 7th–33rd weeks for Pinus spp., nearly the whole year except summer for Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, the 17th–29th weeks for Olea spp., the 10th–24th weeks for Platanus spp., the 8th–46th weeks for Gramineae, the 8th–20th weeks for Pistacia spp., the 11th–21st weeks for Morus spp., the 17th–21st weeks for Quercus spp., the 9th–27th weeks for Abies spp., and the 7th–26th weeks for Plantago spp.     

Airborne pollen and fungal spores in Garki,Abuja (North-Central Nigeria)

The ambient atmosphere is dominated with pollen and spores, which trigger allergic reactions and diseases and impact negatively on human health. A survey of pollen and fungal spores constituents of the atmosphere of Garki, Abuja (North-Central Nigeria) was carried out for 1 year (June 1, 2011–May 31, 2012). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and abundance of pollen and fungal spores in the atmosphere and their relationship with meteorological parameters. Airborne samples were trapped using modified Tauber-like pollen trap, and the recipient solutions were subjected to acetolysis. Results revealed the abundance of fungal spores, pollen, fern spores, algal cysts and diatoms in decreasing order of dominance. The atmosphere was qualitatively and quantitatively dominated by pollen during the period of late rainy/harmattan season than the rainy season. Numerous fungal spores were trapped throughout the sampling periods among which Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Cladosporium spp. and Curvularia spp. dominated. These fungi have been implicated in allergic diseases and are dermatophytic, causing diverse skin diseases. Other pathogenic fungi found in the studied aeroflora were Dreschlera spp., Helminthosporium spp., Torula spp., Pithomyces spp., Tetraploa spp., Nigrospora ssp., Spadicoides spp., Puccinia spp. and Erysiphe graminis. Total pollen and fungal spores counts do not show significant correlation with meteorological parameters.     

Embryogenic cell lines of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juniperus communis</Emphasis>; easy establishment and embryo maturation,limited germination

Several coniferous species belonging to the Pinaceae family can be propagated via somatic embryogenesis, while species belonging to the Cupressaceae family cannot. The aim of this study was to identify possibilities and limitations with somatic embryogenesis in Cupressaceae. Juniperus communis was chosen as model species. We show that a high initiation frequency of embryogenic cell lines can be established from intact megagametophytes at the time when intensive cleavage polyembryogeny takes place. The embryogenic cell lines proliferate fast on medium lacking plant growth regulators. Early somatic embryos develop after transfer to medium with decreased content of nitrogen and calcium. The early embryos mature after exposure to abscisic acid. Mature cotyledonary embryos germinate after partial desiccation. A high proportion, over 40%, of the germinating embryos retain the embryogenic potential in the basal part, resulting in development of new embryogenic tissue.     

Pollen spectrum variations in the atmosphere of Cagliari, Italy

We report on airborne pollen sampling in theatmosphere of Cagliari (southern Sardinia) inthe two-year period 1999–2000, with the aim ofsupplementing and extending the knowledge ofthe city air plankton. The total pollen grainswas 23,087. They belong systemically to 52families, including 32 trees and/or shrubs and20 herbaceous essences.The families with the highest airborne pollenincidence were the Cupressaceae, Pinaceae,Urticaceae, Anacardiaceae, Oleaceae, and thePolygonaceae.Compared to a previous monitoring, morefamilies and fewer airborne pollen grains wereobserved in this study. In addition, one airpollen component was observed that had neverbeen monitored in previous samplings. Oncomparing our data with national mean figures,the major anthesis is brought forward by amonth as a result of the particularmeteorological conditions that characterise theSardinian climate.The studies carried out disclosed therelationship between air pollen concentrationand meteorological factors. We also compiled apollen calendar showing data on monthly pollenconcentrations, from which a great deal ofuseful and important information has beenobtained.     

Miocene spores and pollen from Pelitçik Basin,Turkey–environmental and climatic implications

The palynological investigation of the early Middle Miocene fluviolacustrine sedimentary rocks interfingering with volcanics of the Galatean Volcanic Province at Pelitçik Basin (Central Turkey) have yielded palynomorphs belonging to 51 spore and pollen taxa. The pollen record is dominated by Ulmus, Pinaceae, Quercus, Carpinus and Carya, and appears to reflect climatic conditions. Two pollen zones were established based on changing abundances of plant taxa. Zone 1 is characterized by dominance of Ulmus and Pinaceae. Zone 2 is differentiated and characterized by a dramatic increase in, and predominance of, Ulmus, Carya, deciduous Quercus, Carpinus, Salix and Pinaceae. Mixed mesophytic forests were widespread in the basin suggesting warm and temperate climate. The decreasing relative percentage of thermophilous taxa, with Engelhardia as the main component, and warm temperate taxa, such as Carya, at the upper part of Zone 2 generally indicates a climatic deterioration, probably related to the Middle Miocene cooling.     

Respiration and Vitality of Binucleate and Trinucleate Pollen

The respiration and vitality of ungerminated bi- and trinucleate pollen were studied in order to determine the influence of relative humidity and temperature on metabolic activity. The gas exchange, germination capacity and staining with tetrazolium bromide were followed under standardized conditions. A constant respiration rate occurred under conditions of high relative humidity (97%). Per mg pollen, the trinucleate grains of Compositae and Gramineae respired 2 to 3 times as intense as 6 species of binucleate grains. Per unit of pollen protein the differences were even larger. In contrast to binucleate pollen, the longevity of trinucleate pollen was very short and the ability to germinate was lost twice as fast as the respiration capacity. This limits the use of tetrazolium bromide as an indicator of viability. At reduced relative humidities respiration was strongly restricted, but the longevity of bi- and trinucleate pollen considerably increased. Pollen of Gramineae, however, was very sensitive to changes in relative humidity; short exposure to low relative humidity decreased both the vitality and the capacity to respire.     

Polen y esporas de la Formación La Irene (Maastrichtiano), sudoeste de la provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina: primeros resultados

Palynological assemblages are reported for the first time for the La Irene Formation, southwestern Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. This unit represents the sedimentation during a regressive period from transitional or delta-plain to fluvial environments. Palynological assemblages are scarce and moderately well preserved. They mainly consist of continental elements (wood remains, cuticles, spores and pollen grains) with scarse marine palynomorphs (dinoflagellate cysts). The spore-pollen assemblages are dominated by fern spores, followed by angiosperm and gymnosperm pollen grains. Bryophyte spores and fungal remains are also present. Among ferns, Cyatheaceae and spores of Laevigatosporites, of uncertain affinity, are dominant. Of the angiosperm pollen, those of Chloranthaceae (Clavatipollenites sp.) and Arecaceae (Arecipites spp., Longapertites sp., Spinizonocolpites hialinus Archangelsky and Zamaloa) are the most abundant. Pollen of Liliaceae (Liliacidites spp.), Proteaceae (Proteacidites sp., Peninsulapollis gillii (Cookson) Dettmann and Jarzen, Retidiporites camachoii Archangelsky) and Ericaceae (Ericipites scabratus Harris) are also present. Gymnosperm pollen is represented by Podocarpaceae (Podocarpidites spp.) and Ephedraceae (Equisetosporites sp.). These palynological suites would represent a fern-angiosperm dominated coastal vegetation, developed under warm and at least locally humid climatic conditions. La Irene Formation is considered Maastrichtian in age based on stratigraphic evidence, which is, in turn consistent with the ages suggested by the species ranges and the similarities observed with others previously described assemblages. This is the southernmost record of Spinizonocolpites, similar to the extant mangrove palm Nypa.     

Comparative study of the effect of distance on the daily and hourly pollen counts in a city in the south-western Iberian Peninsula

The airborne pollen concentration in the city of Badajoz was measured in two locations 2.9 km apart. The measurements were taken from January to June between 2009 and 2012 using Hirst-type volumetric aerobiological samplers. One sampler was placed at the Faculty of Science (FS) and the other at the Agricultural Engineering School (AES) of the University of Extremadura, Spain, on terraces located 16 and 6 m above ground, respectively. The two sets of hourly and daily pollen concentrations were compared regarding the meteorological parameters and the distribution of local pollen sources. A total of 46 pollen types were counted, with a mean total concentration of 43 pollen grains/m³ in the winter and 336 pollen grains/m³ in the spring. In the winter, pollen grains from (in decreasing order) Cupressaceae, Fraxinus–Phillyrea, Urticaceae spp., Alnus glutinosa and Urtica membranacea types represented 77 % of the total. In the spring, 89 % of the total was represented by pollen grains from (in decreasing order) Quercus, Poaceae, Olea, Pinaceae and Plantago. The FS/AES ratio was 0.57 in the winter and 1.31 in the spring. While a Wilcoxon test applied to the daily total concentration data showed statistically significant differences between the two sites, a correlation study based on the Spearman coefficient showed statistically significant correlations in both the winter and spring. The results were similar when comparing the separate pollen types, except for Urticaceae spp., which showed no statistically significant correlation. The meteorological data studied showed a statistically significant correlation with the daily concentrations. A comparison of the hourly concentration data showed no correspondence with the time of maximum concentration. The local distribution of pollen sources explained some of the differences found between the two sites. Overall, the results indicate that a single aerobiological sampler may be sufficiently representative to register the daily pollen grain data of an urban area of approximately 3 km or greater in diameter, although it underestimates the influence of heterogeneity in the distribution of the local flora.     

The impact of the botanical gardens on theaeroplankton of the city of Cagliari, Italy

In this study the authors analyse the incidence inthe airborne pollen from exotic plants that grow inthe Botanical Gardens of the University of Cagliari.It was possible to collect the pollen grains of 52 ofthe species cultivated in the Botanical Gardens, mostof which belong to the Leguminosae, the Moraceae and the Myrtaceae. Casuarinastricta Aiton of Australian origin shows the highestconcentration with 137 grains per cubic metre of air.     

A survey of outdoor and indoor airborne fungal spora in the Redemption City, Ogun State, south-western Nigeria

The concentration and biodiversity of airborne fungi of the Redemption City, an immense campground for Christian faithful and the temporary site of the Redeemer’s University in south-western Nigeria, was studied between February and May 2011 using the culture plate method. The study was undertaken to assess the concentrations of fungal spores and their health implication in this ever-busy environment. Fifteen different sites classified as closed or open were selected. During the experiment, a total of 228 colonies were counted, and 29 fungal species belonging to 26 genera were isolated which include the following: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Bipolaris spp., Chrysosporium spp., Cladosporium spp., Coniothyrium corda, Curvularia spp., Diplodia spp., Fusarium spp., Gliocladium spp., Monilia spp., Mucor spp., Mucor plumbeus, Penicillium spp., Phycomyces spp., Phytophthora spp., Pilobolus spp., Pyrenochaeta spp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Torula spp., Trichoderma spp. and Trichophyton spp. The most frequently occurring fungi were A. niger, C. corda and M. plumbeus, while the least recorded were Torula and Trichophyton species. Majority of the fungi isolated are known allergens; they could also be opportunistic causing various diseases in man. There is therefore a dire need for good sanitation practices within the studied areas of the camp.     

Transport of airborne pollen into the city of Thessaloniki: the effects of wind direction, speed and persistence

We examined the effect of the wind vector analyzed into its three components (direction, speed and persistence), on the circulation of pollen from different plant taxa prominent in the Thessaloniki area for a 4-year period (1996–1999). These plant taxa were Ambrosia spp., Artemisia spp., Chenopodiaceae, Corylus spp., Cupressaceae, Olea europaea, Pinaceae, Platanus spp., Poaceae, Populus spp., Quercus spp., and Urticaceae. Airborne pollen of Cupressaceae, Urticaceae, Quercus spp. and O. europaea make up approximately 70% of the total average annual pollen counts. The set of data that we worked with represented days without precipitation and time intervals during which winds blew from the same direction for at least 4 consecutive hours. We did this in order to study the effect of the different wind components independently of precipitation, and to avoid secondary effects produced by pollen resuspension phenomena. Factorial regression analysis among the summed bi-hourly pollen counts for each taxon and the values of wind speed and persistence per wind direction gave significant results in 22 cases (combinations of plant taxa and wind directions). The pollen concentrations of all taxa correlated significantly with at least one of the three wind components. In seven out of the 22 taxon-wind direction combinations, the pollen counts correlated positively with wind persistence, whereas this was the case for only two of the taxon-wind speed combinations. In seven cases, pollen counts correlated with the interaction effect of wind speed and persistence. This shows the importance of wind persistence in pollen transport, particularly when weak winds prevail for a considerable part of the year, as is the case for Thessaloniki. Medium/long-distance pollen transport was evidenced for Olea (NW, SW directions), Corylus (NW, SW), Poaceae (SW) and Populus (NW).