Agriculture, Vol. 18 No. 1, 2012.
Other
RAGWEED (AMBROSIA ARTEMISIIFOLIA L.) – AGRONOMIC AND PUBLIC-HEALTH PROBLEM IN BARANYA REGION
Sanda Rašić
; J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is very allergeni plant species causing a big health problem to a sensitive person. Moreover, due its high cover values ragweed is also a problem in agricultural and non-agricultural areas. By the floristic surveys (reléve method Br.-Bl, 1964) it is determined that ragweed cover a significant part of investigated territory. Floristic records (106), performed during August and beginning of September identified ragweed populations with significant number of units per area. High cover values were recorded in sunflower and stubbles, and these places are considered a focus problem. High values were also registered in ruderal habitats, and along roads and canals. Field investigations confirmed the doubts that ragweed occupies and invades more and more areas. Besides agronomic problem, ragweed is also a significant public health problem. Pollen of this weed species is exceptionally strong aeroallergen, causing big problems among sensitive persons during the summer time. Therefore, detailed aerobiological investigations (2003–2008) were performed using the volumetric method (Burkard pollen and spore trap) in order to identify parameters of pollination. Ragweed pollen was mostly present in the air at the end of summer. This is the period when the allergic reaction among the sensitive persons is most registered. Pollination starts in July and finishes in October according to six year aerobiology monitoring. Length of pollination in the investigated area lasted on the average from 74 to 94 days, with the peak between 22th of August and 3rd of September. Total daily pollen counts varied from year to year from 143 pollen grains per m3 of air to 439 pollen grains per m3 of air. Meteorological parameters have a significant influence for amount of pollen grains in the air. It is proved that concentration of the pollen in the air is getting higher along with higher temperature, but it the relative humidity increases concentration of pollen decreases. Rainfall, wind spread and strength did not show significant correlations. It is extremely important for allergic persons to know the period of sub-pathological and pathological risk. Duration of ragweed pollination in Baranya is between 8 and 13 weeks. The peak is usually in the period 34-35 weeks, which corresponds to the end of August or beginning of September. Floristic surveys and pollen monitoring represent important information for patients, but only the suppression of this noxious plant on agricultural and non agricultural areas can help the people who suffer from allergic diseases. Control of ragweed is demanding and complex process and can be done in several ways. Agronomic practice can offers several solutions. However it is most important that suggested solution is economically justified.
Keywords
ragweed; Baranya; meteorological factors; pollen concentration; pollen allergy; control of ragweed
Hrčak ID:
83381
URI
Publication date:
12.6.2012.
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