A study of Quercus pollen in the Derby area, UK

The major allergenic pollen prevalent in the Derby air in May is Quercus pollen which has been monitored volumetrically from 1970–1997. Quercus pollen levels in Derby are increasing, showing an established long term trend, with 1995 being an exceptionally high year. There is now an earlier start date and a longer seasonal duration. The mean Quercus diurnal periodicity for 1991–1997 shows a peak at 15.00 hours.A detailed study of the 1990–1997 seasons established that a maximum temperature of 20 °C or above, at the usual time of flowering, occasions the start of the Quercus pollen season. Average May temperature and drought in the previous June and July are important factors in determining Quercus pollen totals. Predictions for the forthcoming seasons were produced which compared favourably with the actual pollen totals.