Pollen Wettability as a Factor in Washout by Raindrops

Abstract

Easily wettable pollen particles (contact angle theta < 90(o)) can be distinguished from poorly wettable particles (theta > 90(o)) by a simple laboratory test. Although some differences in degree of wettability were observed among the 15 pollens tested, all were wettable and most were strongly wettable. Grain wettability is not likely to suppress rain-scavenging efficiencies.