Trends in grass pollen season in southern Spain

Abstract

The main characteristics of Poaceae pollen season at 8 sites in Andalusia were studied. Special attention was paid in the trends of grass pollen-season start and peak dates. Moreover, we analyse the intensity of the grass pollen season over the study period as well as potential temporal and spatial patterns in these data. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the possible influence of weather-related parameters on variations in the grass pollen season. Main results show an advance in the start and peak of grass pollen season and an increase in the annual Pollen Index and in the severity of the season (days [ 25 pollen grains/m 3 ). The future consequences of these changes in grass phenology could be related with changes in land use and also in pollinosis symptoms due to the higher concentrations recorded but also to the variations on pollen season dates.

Main features of Poaceae pollen season in Madeira region (Portugal)

“…2) is in accordance with the reports from other regions [21,22], but contrary to other studies [5,23]. Poaceae pollen was observed during all the year, especially in spring when most grass species bloom [24].…”

“…Grasses are both annual and perennial herbs, and most species are anemophilous [2], producing large amounts of pollen grains during a short period of time [3]. From the clinical point of view, their pollen is considered one of the most important aeroallergens in Europe [4,5] and a major cause of pollinosis in several parts of the world [6][7][8]. In Portugal, Poaceae pollen is one of the most frequent aeroallergens and the main cause of pollinosis in the sensitized population [9,10].…”

Aerobiological behaviour of six anemophilous taxa in semi-arid environments of southern Europe (Almería, SE Spain)

“…If so, this must be particularly important in unpredictable environments e as South-eastern Spain e where the length of the rainy season and quantity of rain could vary drastically from year-to-year, besides causing confusion in the flowering patterns. Other aerobiological studies also point out that flower phenology in grass species varies year-to-year (Emberlin et al, 1994;Fernández-González et al, 1999;García-Mozo et al, 2009, 2010, supporting the idea that water availability is one of the most important factors for the onset of flowering.…”

Pollen calendars: a guide to common airborne pollen in Andalusia

“…According to the data of the Counselling for Environment, Seville is the city of Andalusia with the highest number of days with an unacceptable air quality, being CO 2 one of the measured parameters (http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/ medioambiente/site/portalweb/). It has been demonstrated that high CO2 concentrations increase the plant growing (Poorter 1993) as well as the pollen production (Rogers et al 2006;García-Mozo et al 2010). Temperature, CO 2 concentration and many areas of wasteland on which grass grows could generate a longer pollen season in Seville.…”