Subsections

• The choice of the allergenic pollen types
• Some pictures

Main pollen types studied

The choice of all pollen types was done by REA ( UCO and UAB).

The choice of the allergenic pollen types

Four pollen types have been selected in the A.S.T.H.M.A. project. The choice has been based on their frequencies in the study area as well as their allergenic capacities. The selection includes pollen from Cupressaceae, Olea europea, Poaceae and Parietaria types.

Cupressaceae comprises several species distributed in the Mediterranean area. Most of them are frequent in the cities as ornemental trees, blossoming during winter. Then Cupressaceae pollen is the main responsible of the winter pollinosis. The pollen grains are light and easily wind dispersed. As a result of our research, pollen production per tree is very high and the quantity depends on the different species.

Olea pollen is represented by only one species, Olea europea. This species is distributed in the Mediterranean area and widely cultivated for oil production. Moreover, this pollen type is one of the main inducers of allergy. Although this trees are secondary anemophilous, their pollens are well dispersed by wind. Pollen production per tree is very high and the blossoming occurs during the spring.

Poaceae pollen comprises a large number of species, most of them annual herbs, well distributed in the studied area. These pollens are one of the most important aeroallergens across Europe, although their relative contribution to pollinosis varies regionally in relation to local vegetation, agriculture and climate. Although some species flower in winter, summer or autumn, most of them do it in spring. The pollen production per plant is, in general, scarce and it varies notably between species.

Parietaria pollen type involves some species of the Urticaceae family. Urtica and Parietaria species are ruderal, and abundant in urban environments. Parietaria pollen is a very important aeroallergen in the Mediterranean region. Its pollen is well dispersed due to its small size. Although most of the species flower in the spring season, some Parietaria do it in autumn.

Some pictures

Pictures of Cypres (Cupressaceae)

Pictures of olive trees (Olea)

Pictures of parietaria (Parietaria)

Pictures of herbs (Poaceae)