Airborne-pollen maps for olive-growing areas throughout the Mediterranean region: spatio-temporal interpretation

Abstract

The aim of this study was the elaboration and the spatio-temporal interpretation of Olea europaea L. airborne-pollen maps across the main olive cultivation areas within the Mediterranean basin (i.e. Tunisia, Spain, Italy). The study was performed using aerobiological databases recorded from 27 georeferenced study sites. Maps were elaborated for different 10-day period through spring and summer: 1, 10, 20, 30 April; 10, 20, 30 May; 9, 19, 30 June; and 10 July. Average pollen counts in each study site were considered for the 13-year period from 1999 to 2011. Both these 10-day period of pollen emission data and the geographical coordinates were used as variables in the elaboration of the 10-day period maps. The ‘Natural Neighbour’ interpolation method was used. The statistical relationship between spatial location and maximum pollen emission was studied using linear regression and cluster analyses. The airborne-pollen maps show a spatio-temporal pattern in the pollen season. The maximum pollen emission is progressively delayed with northward changes in latitude, and the classification of the Olea maximum pollen emission date into four latitudinal categories is defined. The maximum Olea pollen concentrations were mainly recorded around 20 May. Early flowering in Tunisia coastal zones can indicate the onset of the olive pollen release season in the occidental Mediterranean region, while the central olive-growing areas in Italy can indicate the end of the olive pollen release season. These maps give information of the major risk days to the people who are allergic to olive pollen.