Relation between Poaceae pollen concentrations and meteorological factors during 2000–2010 in Timisoara, Romania

Nicoleta Ianovici

doi:10.5586/aa.2015.033

Abstract

This paper presents the results of Poaceae pollen seasons from 2000–2010 in Timisoara, Romania. Airborne Poaceae pollen concentrations was high. An increasing trend in the annual totals was observed. The longest pollen season was recorded in the year 2000. The period in which the Poaceae pollen count exceeded the threshold value of 30 grains/m<sup>3</sup> lasted from 9 to 46 days. The present study analyzed the dynamics of pollen seasons in relation to meteorological factors. On the basis of Spearman’s correlation test, the strongest positive correlation was found between the Poaceae pollen counts and temperature; and sunshine hours. Daily average relative humidity, atmospheric pressure and precipitation had a negative effect. A multiple regression analysis was applied to determine how much of the total variance in Poaceae pollen counts can be explained by meteorological parameters. The coefficient of determination ranged from 0.245 to 0.460. Our data illustrate the contrasting effects of temperature, wind, relative humidity and rainfall on the concentration of pollen in the air. The optimum conditions for Poaceae pollen release occur during late spring and early summer. The Poaceae pollen remains one of the major aeroallergens in Timisoara area.

Highlights

The Poaceae (Gramineae, grasses) family is one of the largest vascular plant families, comprising between 650–785 genera [1]
This paper presents the results of Poaceae pollen seasons from 2000–2010 in Timisoara, Romania
A multiple regression analysis was applied to determine how much of the total variance in Poaceae pollen counts can be explained by meteorological parameters

Summary

Introduction

The Poaceae (Gramineae, grasses) family is one of the largest vascular plant families, comprising between 650–785 genera [1]. The Poaceae is one of the most economically (as cereals and feed for domesticated animals) and ecologically (accounting for 25–45% of the world’s vegetation) relevant plant family [3,4]. Grasses include the three most important crops in the world (Triticum aestivum, Zea mays, Oryza sativa) and several productive species with great biofuel potential [6]. They are described as plants that have achieved evolutionary success [7]

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