Phenology of Cupressaceae urban infrastructure related to its pollen content and meteorological variables

Abstract

Cupressaceae pollen is one of the major airborne allergens of the Mediterranean region and in other regions around the world. Pollen production of these species causes considerable allergic problems during winter, being this type of pollen the most abundant in this period of the year. This work aims to relate phenology, meteorology and airborne pollen records in these species. Aerobiological sampling was carried out in Badajoz (SW Spain) from 2016 to 2018 using Hirst-type volumetric sampler. Pollination phenology was studied in 50 specimens, ten of Cupressus macrocarpa, ten of Cupressus arizonica, 15 of Cupressus sempervirens and 15 of Platycladus orientalis with a frequency of 3–4 days on average during the months of January to March. In all cases, five specimens were in the surrounding of pollen station and at least five of them 4 km apart. For phenology, BBCH methodology was used. Daily data for the whole period and hourly data for the last 2 years were analyzed, including pollen records and meteorology. Comparison between pollen records and sources distribution was assessed. Main pollen season lasted on average 91 (89–94) days. In all the years, the peaks of phenology of the different species can be matched with peaks of airborne pollen records, considering that rain can prevent a more precise correspondence.