Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Distribution of Ambrosia plants and airborne pollen in Lithuania

Author(s):

Ingrida Šaulienė, Zigmantas Gudžinskas, Laura Veriankaitė, Aurelija Malciūtė, Vitalija Leščiauskienė

Recieved Date: 2010-11-04, Accepted Date: 2011-03-28

Abstract:

Pollens of ragweed are recognized as strong allergen and were recorded in the air of Lithuania since 1997. Sensitivity to pollen frequently is associated with sensitivity to certain kinds of food, especially those which include any parts of plants of the Asteraceae family (e.g. Artemisia, Helianthus, Matricaria, etc.). The aim of this investigation was to reveal relationships between local populations of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and quantity of its airborne pollens in the air. Distribution of these plants in Lithuania is evaluated basing on herbarium specimens, publications, unpublished authors data and field investigations. Pollen counts were monitored from 2004 to 2010. Aerobiological stations of Lithuania are located in Vilnius, Šiauliai and Klaipėda. The average daily pollen concentration was assessed by scanning the slide area under the microscope (12 vertical sweeps on each slide). Results were referring to the number of pollen in 1 m³ of sampled air averaged over 24 hours (pollen grains/m³). Decrease of records of Ambrosia artemisiifolia during the last decade of the 20^th century and first decade of the 21^st century is related to the decrease of grain import to Lithuania, as imported grain is the main source of its seeds. Concentration of ragweed pollen in the air varies from year to year, but they are present yearly from the beginning of August to the end of September. Highest concentration of ragweed pollen in Lithuania is recorded in south-eastern part of the country. Concentration and even presence of ragweed pollen in Lithuania is not related with local populations of Ambrosia artemisiifolia.

Keywords:

Ambrosia artemisiifolia, immigration, records, allergens, monitoring

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2011
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Category: Environment
Pages: 547-550

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