Dominant Pollen Types Research Articles

Airborne pollen seasonality of Kars province, a high-altitude region in NE Anatolia-Turkey

Aeropalynological studies quantify pollen present in the atmosphere and elucidate their seasonal variations and regional distribution. Utilizing a Hirst-type volumetric 7-day pollen and spore trap during 2012 and 2013, we conducted an aerobiological investigation in Kars province, Turkey, a region characterized by high altitude and severe climate. Across the 2-year study period, an average annual pollen concentration of 14,931 pollen/m3 was recorded, with 39 taxa identified, including 29.31% woody taxa, 70.58% herbaceous, and 0.11% unidentified. The seven most dominant taxa were Poaceae, Pinaceae, Artemisia, Amaranthaceae, Urticaceae, Quercus, and Cupressaceae/Taxaceae. The data indicated a significant risk period for individuals with pollen allergies from June to July. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between the daily pollen concentrations of the dominant pollen types and the variables. The results demonstrated that an increase in temperature was positively correlated with higher pollen counts, whereas increased average relative humidity was associated with reduced pollen concentrations. Notably, herbaceous pollen taxa were more prevalent in Kars. Additionally, the main pollen season starts approximately 6 weeks later than that at lower altitudes. These findings underscore the importance of localized aerobiological monitoring for effective public health responses to pollen allergies.

Analysis of Pollen in Stingless bee (Meliponula ferruginae [ Moure]) Honey, an Indicator of Deforestation Levels at University of Ilorin and its Environs

Pollen analysis of the honey of stingless bees was conducted to ascertain the levels of deforestation in the campus of the University of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Thirteen honey samples from the nests of Meliponula ferruginae in four different localities, with varied deforestation levels, in the University of Ilorin Agro-Ecological areas were analysed. Pollen grains were identified and counted under high power light microscope. Species diversity assessed using Shannon diversity index, species richness and dominance of the floral origin of the pollen were calculated using PAST Software. A total of 43 pollen types belonging to 26 families, and a fungal spore, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, were recovered. Twenty-four pollen types were recovered from samples from Bolounduro and Oyun, both slightly disturbed agro-ecological areas; 14 pollen types were from the Senior Staff Quarters, a slightly disturbed agro-ecological area bordered with date palm plantation and twenty-six pollen types were from Jalala, a highly disturbed agro-ecological area. The most dominant pollen types namely Hymenocardia acida, Lannea sp., Elaeis guineensis, Alchornea sp., Vitellaria paradoxa, Entada abyssinica and Parkia biglobosa indicated that the study area was Guinea savanna. The honey samples from the slightly disturbed localities yielded pollen of open/secondary forest while those from the highly disturbed locality yielded an array of the pollen of economic plants and herbs characteristic of anthropogenic disturbance. The honey samples from all the sites showed high diversity of pollen types. Polyflora honey with high Shannon-Weiner Diversity index and monoflora with low Shannon-Weiner Diversity index were observed in all the sites except at Bolounduro where monoflora with high Shannon-Weiner Diversity index was observed.

The palynology of purple honey: kudzu dismissed, aluminum-sourwood reaction and other sources behind color plausible

Here we present the palynological composition of a single sample of the elusive purple honey collected in southern North Carolina and discuss how it fits within a nearby statewide South Carolina melissopalynological study. 302 samples were collected by nineteen beekeepers participating in this year-long project, submitting honey samples while honeybees were actively collecting nectar. The absence of pollen of Pueraria (kudzu) in the purple honey dismisses the often-suggested link between the unique tint of the purple honey and kudzu’s purple pollen. A second hypothesis hinting that the tint could be linked to ripened berries is not reinforced by our investigation as pollen of Ericaceae (eg blueberries) and Rosaceae (eg blackberries) were not found in the purple honey sample but were commonly found in classic golden honey analyzed. The presence of Vitis pollen supports the possibility that bees forage on wild muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) which was available in the foraging area. This study cannot discredit the possibility that bees were foraging on berry juices or other sugar sources containing purple pigments because these sources contain little or no pollen. A third hypothesis proposes a link between purple honey and the sourwood tree, Oxydendrum arboretum. This hypothesis is supported by this investigation as the dominant pollen type recovered in the purple honey was sourwood, with 19% in relative abundance, a significant percentage for this plant. We suggest chemical analysis of purple honey samples be conducted to determine if berry juice or sourwood is the more likely source of the pigmentation.

Membrane-processed honey samples for pollen characterization with health benefits

Better processing techniques must be utilized widely due to the rising demand for honey. The most common honey processing techniques are applied to melissopalynomorphs to check the quality and quantity of valuable honey using microporous ultrafiltration membranes. It is essential to have the ability to selectively filter out sugars from honey using ultrafiltration. This study authenticated 24 honey samples using membrane reactors ultrafiltration protocol to describe the pollen spectrum of dominant vegetation. The purpose of this study was also to explore nutritional benefits as well as the active phytochemical constituents of honey samples. Honey samples were collected and labeled Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Ziziphus species based on plant resources provided by local beekeepers. A variety of honeybee flora was collected around the apiaries between 2020 and 2021. Honey analysis revealed that the pollen extraction of 24 bee foraging species belonging to 14 families. The honey membrane technology verified the identities of honey and nectar sources. Also, pollen identified using honey ultrafiltration membranes revealed dominant resources: Acacia spp. (69%), Eucalyptus spp. (52%) and Ziziphus spp. Honey filtration using a membrane technology classified 14 samples as unifloral, represented by six dominant pollen types. The absolute pollen count in the honey sample revealed that 58.33% (n = 14) belong to Maurizio's class I. Scanning ultrasculpturing showed diverse exine patterns: reticulate, psilate, scabrate-verrucate, scabrate-gemmate, granulate, perforate, microechinate, microreticulate, and regulate to fossulate for correct identification of honey pollen types. Honey ultrafiltration should be utilized to validate the botanical sources of honey and trace their biogeographic authenticity. Thus, it is imperative to look at the alternative useful method to identify the botanical origin of filtered honey. It is critical to separate honey from adulteration by a standardized protocol. Membrane technology has yielded significant outcomes in the purification of honey.

Nutraceutical Properties of Potentially Pollen Sources in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and their Impact on the Activities of Honey Bee Colonies

Pollen plants is the sole source of strength for honey bees’ colonies, estimating pollen nutritional value is a crucial aspect to comprehend its influence on the growth of honey bee colonies in any region. In this study the potentially discovered pollen source in Riyadh region, central Saudi Arabia, Asian mustard (Brassica tournefortii Gouan.), willow wattle (Acacia salicina Lindl.), mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.) and cat’s head (Tribulus terresetris L. var. terrestris) were evaluated and their role in improving honey bee colonies were analyzed. Important criteria for determining the nutraceutical properties of pollen included fresh and dry weight, protein content, and the presence of essential and non-essential amino acids were analyzed. The study revealed that the highest content of protein in the dominant pollen types was recorded for B. tournefortii pollen (20.53%), while P. juliflora pollen was the highest in essential amino acids content. In conclusion, in an effort to achieve highquality development, careful plant breeding and rehabilitation of these potentially discovered pollen plant species would be taken into consideration. In conclusion, wise use and rehabilitation of these potentially identified bee plant species shall be considered in attempting beekeeping development.

An integrated strategy for chemical, biological and palynological standardization of bee propolis

An integrated method for standardization of propolis using chromatographic, spectroscopic, palynological and biological analyses was implemented in this study. Digitally-enhanced HPTLC images using dual visualization approach with four image analysis software packages adopting different digitalization algorithms were comparatively evaluated i.e.; Sorbfil TLC View®, ImageJ®, JustTLC® and Gel Analyzer®. ImageJ® and Gel Analyzer® showed superior figures of merits in case of flavonoids and phenolic acids quantitation, respectively. Unsupervised and supervised multivariable pattern recognition models were constructed for comprehensive discrimination between the three propolis types (blue, orange and green) collected from various geographical locations worldwide. HPTLC-ESI-MS was utilized for precise identification of the discriminatory phytoconstituents. Fingerprint-efficacy relationship analysis was conducted via an Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structure multivariate model to unravel the bio-efficient markers in terms of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition as main targets. 3,4-Dimethoxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid, isoferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin were found to be the main health-relevant markers. A complementary fast, simple and readily available UV spectroscopic method using aluminium chloride as bathochromic shift reagent was used as an independent method for prediction of aforementioned biomarkers using a validated Partial Least Squares Regression model. In addition, palynological analysis was implemented to determine the botanical origin of Egyptian propolis for the first time. Twenty-eight pollen types assigned to 13 families were identified, with Asteraceae being the highest representative one. The investigated samples lacked dominant pollen types, which reflected the multifloral origin of Egyptian propolis. Identification of plant sources of propolis, which directly affect its chemical composition and subsequently its biological efficacy represents an integral part of its standardization.

Aerofloral studies and allergenicity of dominant pollen types in Taraba and Bauchi States of Northeastern Nigeria

Pollen and spores have been identified as major airborne bio-particles inducing respiratory disorders including allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis among hypersensitive individuals. The present study was conducted with a view to investigating monthly depositional rate of atmospheric palynomorphs to determine the influence of the immediate vegetation on airborne pollen distribution; allergenic activities of dominant atmospheric pollen types at selected study locations in Taraba and Bauchi States, Northeastern Nigeria. Bioaerosols were collected using Tauber-like pollen traps and subjected to standard palynological treatment procedures, microscopy and photomicrography. Plant enumeration within the surrounding vegetation revealed that some airborne pollen types were produced by local plants at the study locations. Spores of Nephrolepis sp., Pteris sp. and a trilete fern, as well as diatoms were also recovered. Crude protein contents of some dominant pollen types; Borreria verticillata (L.) G.F.W. Meyer and Panicum maximum Jacq. for Taraba State; Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. and Terminalia catappa L. for Bauchi State, were quantified and extracted to sensitize Mus musculus mice for serology (ELISA) and haematology (differential and total white blood cell counts). Statistical significance was tested and recorded in the correlation between levels of serological and haematological parameters elicited by each test group; differences between levels of these parameters elicited by each test group and those of the control, as well as at varying sensitization periods. In the Leucaena leucocephala test group, swollen body and histopathological morbid features showing more extensive areas of inflammatory cells and alveoli filled with fluid in the lungs, were recorded in two dead M. musculus, respectively. The study revealed that all the tested pollen types are possible allergens at the study locations, establishing a complexity of interaction among allergy mediators at varied periods of mice sensitization and forming a paradigm of human immune response to the different pollen allergens.

New insights into the palaeodiet and paleoenvironment of the camelids (Lama guanicoe) based on a palynological analysis of mid-Holocene coprolites from Cueva Milodon Norte 1, Pueyrredón Lake, Patagonia, Argentina

The coprolites of archeological sites offer information about the paleobiology of organisms and paleoenvironment. Camelids were one of the main resources of hunter-gatherers inhabiting Patagonia and, therefore, the studies of the behavior of camelids from the Holocene are essential to increase the knowledge of human group dynamics. The aim of this study was to identify palaeodiet food items from the camelids in the Pueyrredón Lake area (Santa Cruz, Argentina) after the Hudson volcanic eruption (7800 cal. BP), and to contribute to the knowledge of the vegetation in the camelid home range. Camelid coprolites were collected from four archeological layers, which were dated between 5900 and 6260 cal. BP, in the site Cueva Milodón Norte 1 (47°00’S–72°15’W), in the area of the Pueyrredón Lake. Today, the vegetation of the area consists of a shrub-grass steppe near a deciduous forest of Nothofagus pumilio. According to a palynological analysis of coprolites, the dominant pollen types were Nothofagus, Asteraceae subf. Asteroideae, Cerastium and Poaceae, with concentrations of 24,000 to 111,000 grains/g. Among the putative diet items, pollen types with zoophilous dispersal were Asteraceae subf. Asteroideae, Cerastium and Acaena, while those with anemophilous dispersal were Poaceae and Nothofagus. The taxa currently growing in the Nothofagus forest include Onagraceae, Lathyrus and pteridophytes, such as Blechnum. The presence of these pollen types and spores suggests the use of the steppe and the forest by camelids in search of food.

Relationship between modern pollen assemblages and vegetation in the Bashang typical steppe region of North China

Accurate knowledge of the relationship between modern vegetation and the corresponding surface pollen assemblages is the key to the quantitative reconstruction of paleovegetation and paleoclimate. The pollen assemblages of steppe regions are affected by many factors and distinguishing the pollen assemblages of different plant community types, especially Artemisia and Poaceae communities is a major difficulty in modern pollen studies in these regions. In this study we used RDA analysis to analyze modern vegetation and pollen percentage data from 119 sampling sites in different plant communities in the Bashang region of North China, which has a typical steppe vegetation. We used the results to quantitatively determine the distinguishing features of various plant community types and the relationship between the percentages of the dominant pollen types and the corresponding vegetation cover. The major results are as follows: 1) there is a clear distinction between Artemisia and Poaceae communities; in the Artemisia community, Artemisia pollen percentages are typically > 50%, and Poaceae pollen percentages are typically < 3%. In the Poaceae community, Poaceae pollen percentages are typically > 3%, and Artemisia pollen percentages are typically < 40%. 2) The Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae, Poaceae and Asteraceae are the most common vegetation types and their pollen percentages are the four most abundant types in the pollen assemblages. Their respective pollen percentages and vegetation cover show varying degrees of correlation and representativeness. Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae pollen are over-represented; that is, when the vegetation cover of Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae is < 5%, or even zero %, Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae pollen percentages can still reach 30–40%. By contrast, Poaceae and Asteraceae are under-represented in the pollen assemblages, and even where they have a high vegetation cover, their pollen percentages are rarely > 10%.

Botanical origin, physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant activity of bee pollen samples from the northeast of Portugal

Bee pollen is a beehive product that has increased the attention of both researchers and consumers. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate 69 heterofloral dried bee pollen samples harvested in two regions of the northeast of Portugal (Mogadouro and Vimioso). For such, the botanical origin of the samples and several physicochemical parameters (moisture, pH, water activity, reducing sugar, proteins, lipids, ash, fibers, carbohydrates, energy, total phenolic, and flavonoids) were evaluated and the antioxidant potential was studied. The average percentage of pollen grains from Erica spp. and Cytisus spp. was higher (p < 0.05) in samples from Mogadouro, while Cistus spp., Castanea spp., and Echium spp. were more abundant in Vimioso samples. The pollen harvested in Vimioso presented higher values on proximate parameters as compared to other samples:moisture (4.61 ± 0.84%), lipids (4.94 ± 0.94%), ash (3.28 ± 0.93%), fiber (3.55 ± 1.11%), and carbohydrates (66.60 ± 3.52%).On the other hand, higher values were obtained on Mogadouro samples regarding water activity (0.41 ± 0.11), protein (26.09 ± 2.86%), total phenols (26.71 ± 6.19, expressed as mg of Gallic acid equivalents GAE/g), and antioxidant activity (assessed by β-carotene bleaching [3.35 ± 1.17 mg/mL] or the free radical scavenging assay [2.98 ± 0.63 mg/mL]). All bee pollen samples had a great botanical similarity, yet the dominant pollen types were different between the two regions allowing the classification of the samples according to the geographical origin.

The botanical origin and antioxidant, anti-BACE1 and antiproliferative properties of bee pollen from different regions of South Korea

BackgroundBee pollen (BP) has been used as a traditional medicine and food diet additive due to its nutritional and biological properties. The potential biological properties of bee pollen vary greatly with the botanical and geographical origin of the pollen grains. This study was conducted to characterize the botanical origin and assess the antioxidant effects of ethanol extracts of 18 different bee pollen (EBP) samples from 16 locations in South Korea and their inhibitory activities on human β-amyloid precursor cleavage enzyme (BACE1), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), human intestinal bacteria, and 5 cancer cell lines.MethodsThe botanical origin and classification of each BP sample was evaluated using palynological analysis by observing microscope slides. We measured the biological properties, including antioxidant capacity, inhibitory activities against human BACE1, and AChE, and antiproliferative activities toward five cancer cell lines, of the 18 EBPs. In addition, the growth inhibitory activities on four harmful intestinal bacteria, six lactic acid-producing bacteria, two nonpathogenic bacteria, and an acidulating bacterium were also assessed.ResultsFour samples (BP3, BP4, BP13 and BP15) were found to be monofloral and presented four dominant pollen types: Quercus palustris, Actinidia arguta, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Amygdalus persica. One sample (BP12) was found to be bifloral, and the remaining samples were considered to be heterofloral. Sixteen samples showed potent antioxidant activities with EC50 from 292.0 to 673.9 μg mL− 1. Fourteen samples presented potent inhibitory activity against human BACE1 with EC50 from 236.0 to 881.1 μg mL− 1. All samples showed antiproliferative activity toward the cancer cell lines PC-3, MCF-7, A549, NCI-H727 and AGS with IC50 from 2.7 to 14.4 mg mL− 1, 0.9 to 12.7 mg mL− 1, 5.0 to > 25 mg mL− 1, 2.7 to 17.7 mg mL− 1, and 2.4 to 8.7 mg mL− 1, respectively. In addition, total phenol and flavonoid contents had no direct correlation with antioxidant, anti-human BACE1, or antiproliferative activities.ConclusionFundamentally, Korean bee pollen-derived preparations could be considered a nutritional addition to food to prevent various diseases related to free radicals, neurodegenerative problems, and cancers. The botanical and geographical origins of pollen grains could help to establish quality control standards for bee pollen consumption and industrial production.

Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Antimicrobial and Microbiological Attributes of Commercial Honeys from North West Nigeria

Background: Honey is used for nutritional, medicinal and industrial purposes and maintenance of the requisite quality is of great importance. Objective: This study distinctively aimed to portray twelve randomly selected profitable honeys accessible in the North West Nigerian market with regards to floral nectar origin, physicochemical factors, antimicrobial activity and microbial safety evaluations. Methods: Twelve (12) samples of honey sourced from diverse places in the Northwest of Nigeria were analyzed for their pollen spectra, physicochemical parameters, antimicrobial activity and microbiological safety. Results: Dominant pollen types from the analysis were Borassus (72%), Piptadenia africana (39%), Lophira (91%) and Combretaceae (91%) for Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna and Katsina States honey samples, respectively. The physicochemical analysis of the samples revealed that pH was in range from 3.32 to 4.25, moisture content varied from 16.37% to 18.70%, ash content 0.23% to 0.93% and free acidity 6.83meq/Kg to 32.00meq/kg, electrical conductivity ranged from 0.13mS/cm to 1.40mS/cm, reducing sugars was 42.85% to 49.30%, sucrose content was 0.74% to 6.75%, Hydroxymethylfurfural value was 11.0mg/Kg to 80.20mg/Kg, diastase level ranged from 7.23 to 43.5 and Proline content ranged from 104.67mg/Kg to 666.67mg/Kg. The antimicrobial evaluation revealed significant zone of inhibition to E. coli, ranging from 19-38 mm at concentrations (12.5-100mg/mL) tested as compared to all other test organisms. Conclusion: The fallouts of microbiological investigation of the samples revealed mould and bacteria, with counts less than 102CFU/g. The findings showed that the attributes of the tested honey samples maintained criteria of international standards.

Palynological analysis of the outer parts of camelid coprolites: implications for vegetation reconstruction

The aim of this study was to analyze pollen from the outer parts of camelid coprolites and contemporaneous sediments to evaluate the potential of coprolites for the reconstruction of the vegetation history of Patagonia during the Holocene. The pollen composition of camelid coprolites coming from archeological layers between 10,920 yrs. cal BP and 2823 yrs. cal BP found in the sites Cerro Casa de Piedra 5 and 7 (Perito Moreno National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina) were analyzed. Coprolites were divided into outer and inner subsamples. Outer subsample pollen extraction was performed through acetolysis and determination and counting under optical microscope. Morisita-Horn index and Wilcoxon test were performed to evaluate similarities between pollen spectra of outer subsamples of coprolites and contemporaneous sediments. The dominant pollen types were: Nothofagus (Nothofagaceae), Empetrum (Ericaceae), Asteraceae subf. Asteroideae, Nassauvia (Asteraceae subf. Mutisioideae), Poaceae and Caryophyllaceae. The similarities found between outer subsamples of coprolites and contemporaneous sediments reflected the dominant pollen types of the vegetation and forest development, whereas significant differences could be attributed to coprolite pollen spectra that may be biased by season of coprolite deposition, selectivity of the diet and/or higher temporal resolution. Also, the presence of pollen types in outer subsamples of coprolites absent in sediments could give information for paleoenvironmental reconstructions by enriching information of the past flora. This study demonstrates that coprolites can be a valuable tool for paleoenvironmental reconstructions in arid and semiarid areas where depositional environments that support pollen preservation are typically rare.

Pollen Diversity in the Atmosphere of Karacabey (Bursa), Turkey

Pollen grains are known as important bio-allergens for sensitive individuals because of their presence in the air we breathe. Therefore, it is important to know the pollen load, major pollen types and sesonal variations of them for each populated region. The aim of this study was to determine the pollen types, densities and the pollen seasons of main pollen producers in Karacabey area. Pollen quantities and diversity studies were carried out by the gravimetric method in Karacabey (Bursa) atmosphere for two years, between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016. During sampling, the slides were changed weekly and examined by light microscopy. Annually 14226 pollen grains (15281 in 2015 and 13171 in 2016) belonging to 59 plant taxa (32 woody and 27 herbaceous taxa) were identified and pollen grains of woody taxa represented 72.63% (77.00% in 2015 and 68.27% in 2016) and herbaceous taxa represented 26.69% (22.30% in 2015 and 31.09% in 2016) of the annual pollen index (API) which was concordant and evaluated as a reflection of the dominant flora and maquis vegetation of the area. Types of pollen identified belonged to Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Pinus, Poaceae, Quercus, Platanus, Ambrosia, Olea, Plantago, Amaranthaceae, Salix, and Fraxinus which were classified as dominant pollen types for the region and the the total amount for them was 88.21% of the annual pollen index. In this regard, April-May and August-September can be thought of as a risky period for sensitive individuals living in or visiting the region. One of the most exciting findings of this study was the high dominance of highly allergenic Ambrosia pollen in the atmosphere.

Floral Origin and Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Honey from Africanized Bees in Apiaries of Ubiratã and Nova Aurora, State of Paraná

Physical and chemical characteristics of honey may vary due to the diversity of flora and soil characteristics, or seasonal factors. This study was carried out in two counties, Nova Aurora and Ubiratã, located in the West and Center-West regions of the State of Paraná. The objective of the study was to verify if the physical and chemical parameters of Apis mellifera (L.) honey are in accordance with the national standard, as well as to verify how the 21 samples collected in the two localities are grouped, based on the physical, chemical and pollen characteristics. Honey was analyzed for sugar, ash, protein, moisture, color, electrical conductivity, formaldehyde index, diastase and viscosity. Samples of honey containing the dominant pollen types Glycine max (L.) Merr. and Eucalyptus sp. formed groupings similar to those based on physical and chemical characteristics, however, the multivariate classification of honey samples in groups based on pollen types was not an efficient method to group samples of polyfloral honey.

Allergenic Pollen in Turkey

In this study, atmospheric pollen data of previous studies belonging to 54 different stations in Turkey, conducted by using the gravimetric and/ or volumetric method, were evaluated in terms of flora, biogeography and aeropalynology. In line with these data, Turkey is divided into 5 aeropalyno-geographical regions, which are represented with their characteristics (North, West, South, Central, and East), and the skin prick tests were evaluated on the basis of pollen allergy data regionally and concurrently. In general, the dominant pollen seen in Turkey’s atmosphere has been found to be represented by 29 different types. The pollen sum of these 29 taxa was found to represent more than 85% of the total pollen concentration detected in the atmosphere when evaluated according to different regions. Of these pollen types, 20 belong to woody and nine belong to herbaceous plants. It has generally been reported that there are higher pollen concentrations of woody plants in the atmosphere in Turkey. Overall, Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Pinus , and Gramineae pollens were found as the common types to all of Turkey’s five aeropalyno-geographic regions, in which they were recorded within the first three dominant pollen types. It has also been observed that Quercus, Platanus and Populus pollens from woody plants, and Amaranthaceae and Urticaceae pollens from the herbaceous plants were commonly recorded in high amounts for all regions. However, when the revised data are examined in detail, it has been determined that tree pollens like Fagus, Carpinus, Alnus, Corylus and Betula in the atmosphere were characteristic for the Northern Turkey region; the highest amounts of Olea europaea pollen for the Western Turkey region; higher quantities of the Cupressaceae/Taxaceae pollen for the Southern Turkey region; and very high amounts of Gramineae, Morus, Fraxinus and Artemisia pollens for the Eastern Turkey region have been recorded as characteristic in the atmosphere. Compared to Europe; Morus, Salix, Populus, Mercurialis and Plantago pollens in the atmosphere of Turkey differ in their presence and quantity. On the other hand, invasive plants such as Ambrosia and Ailanthus or exotic plants such as Casuarina and Eucalyptus , which have allergenic pollens, must be remembered among the dominant taxa in the air in different regions on a seasonal basis. It has been shown that the ideal allergen panels have to be updated according to the area and especially by including the dominant taxa. However, these updates should be made by taking into account cross-reactions, and at least one of the reacting taxa should be included in the panel.

Characterization of Sicilian Honeys Pollen Profiles Using a Commercial E-Tongue and Melissopalynological Analysis for Rapid Screening: A Pilot Study.

Honey is usually classified as “unifloral” or “multifloral”, depending on whether a dominating pollen grain, originating from only one particular plant, or no dominant pollen type in the sample is found. Unifloral honeys are usually more expensive and appreciated than multifloral honeys, which highlights the importance of honey authenticity. Melissopalynological analysis is used to identify the botanical origin of honey, counting down the number of pollens grains of a honey sample, and calculating the respective percentages of the nectariferous pollens. In addition, sensory properties are also very important for honey characterization, and electronic senses emerged as useful tools for honey authentication. In this work, a comparison of the results obtained from melissopalynological analysis with those provided by a potentiometric electronic tongue is given, resulting in a 100% match between the two techniques.

Atmospheric pollen spectrum in Stone City, Mardin; the northern border of Mesopotamia/SE-Turkey

Airborne pollen distribution in Mardin city was measured volumetrically during three consecutive years, 2014-2016. Three thousand eight hundred fifty-seven pollen grains as a mean value belonging to 44 taxa were recorded annually during the study period, and pollen grains from woody plant taxa had the more substantial atmospheric contribution with 62.66% and with 23 taxa. Despite the differences between years, the highest pollen concentration was recorded in April. The main pollen producers of the pollen spectrum were Cupressaceae (27.79%), Poaceae (21.21%), Platanus (10.29%), Morus (6.19%), Olea europaea (5.01%), Quercus (4.91%), Pinus (3.84%), and Amaranthaceae (3.73%) and almost all dominant pollen types in the city atmosphere were previously stated to be allergic. The atmospheric sampling data was characterized by the high presence of woody plants in spring, as well as the high presentation of herbaceous plants in late spring to early winter. The main pollen season (MPS) and durations of dominated pollen types were analyzed and mostly found a little bit earlier or parallel with similar studies in Mediterranean basin, but found earlier than the east. Statistical analyses were performed to compare years with each other and for correlating daily pollen concentrations of dominated pollen types concurrent with the data of meteorological parameters; a number of significant correlations were found.

Variability in modern pollen rain from moist and wet tropical forest plots in Ghana, West Africa

How pollen moves within and between ecosystems affects factors such as the genetic structure of populations, how resilient they are to environmental change, and the amount and nature of pollen preserved in the sedimentary record. We set artificial pollen traps in two 100 m by 100 m vegetation plots, one in a wet evergreen forest, and one in a moist semi-deciduous forest in Ghana, West Africa. Five traps from each plot were counted annually from 2011 to 2014, to examine spatial and temporal variation in the pollen rain of the most abundant taxa shared between pollen and vegetation assemblages. Samples from the wet evergreen plot exhibited high variability within years, with the dominant pollen types changing between samples, and many pollen taxa being over-represented relative to their parent plant abundance in some traps whilst being entirely absent from others. The most abundant plant taxa of the wet evergreen plot (Drypetes and Cynometra) do, however, constitute major components of the pollen rain. There is less variation between samples from the moist semi-deciduous plot spatially, as it is dominated by Celtis, which typically comprises >70% of the pollen assemblages. We conclude that pollen rain in these tropical ecosystems is highly heterogeneous, and suggest that pollen assemblages obtained by trapping are susceptible to small-scale variations in forest structure. Conversely, this may mean that current recommendations of more than three years of trapping in tropical systems may be too high, and that space could substitute for time in modern tropical pollen trapping.

Aerofloral investigation and allergenic potentials of two dominant airborne pollen types at selected sites in South-western Nigeria

Airborne pollen triggers immune cells to release inflammatory chemical mediators, inducing respiratory conditions among susceptible individuals. This present study aimed at investigating the monthly depositional rate of pollen and fern spores with the aid of a modified Tauber pollen sampler, for a period of 1 year, examining airborne pollen–vegetation relationships and allergenic potentials of dominant airborne pollen types at selected study sites in Osun and Ogun states, South-western Nigeria. This involved collection, acetolysis and microscopy of residual solutions. Plants within the immediate vegetation of these sites were enumerated. Crude protein contents were extracted from pollen of Tridax procumbens L. (dominant in Osun state) and Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. & Thonn.) Mull. Arg. (dominant in Osun and Ogun states), used in Mus musculus sensitization. Blood samples were obtained from the pre-orbital vein of M. musculus L., processed for haematological (differential and total white blood cell counts) and serological studies. ELISA was employed in measuring the levels of serological parameters: IgE and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-5 and IL-13). Statistical significance (P < .05) was tested in the correlation between the levels of haematological and serological parameters elicited by each test group, differences between the levels of haematological and serological parameters elicited by each test group and those of the control, as well as at varied sensitization periods. In the results obtained, airborne pollen types of A. cordifolia, T. procumbens, Elaeis guineensis Jacq. and Poaceae were dominant in Osun state; A. cordifolia, Senna sp. and Poaceae were dominant in Ogun state. Spores of Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott, Pteris sp. and a trilete fern were also recovered. Some pollen types were produced by local plants at the study sites. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were the identified differential white blood cells. Statistical significance was observed in the correlation between the levels of certain haematological and serological parameters elicited by the test groups, differences between the levels of certain haematological and serological parameters elicited by each test group and those of the control, as well as at some sensitization periods. Hair loss (alopecia) was observed on the skin of a M. musculus in the A. cordifolia test group. This study has identified potential pollen allergens at the study sites; hence, their allergenicity should be further conducted on humans.