The incidence, on exposed slides, of pollen grains and spores from the
atmosphere of Melbourne is recorded. Observations over 4½ years show that 30
types of pollen appear regularly each year and few of these are in great abundance.
The highest concentration of pollen is in the period August-December and the lowest
concentration in the period Aprii-May. In eariy spring, pollen grains from conifers
and deciduous trees are most numerous, and in later spring and summer those
from grasses and plantains predominate.
Variations in weather conditions produce variations in the duration and concentration
of the pollen cloud, both annually and within the season.
High concentrations of fungal spores, at times exceeding those of pollen
grains, occur during late spring and early summer, but follow a less clearly defined
seasonal pattern than the pollen cloud.
Pollen normally transferred by insects may at times become airborne in
significant concentration.
Grass pollen, because of its presence in the air over a long period and its
high concentration during the Melbourne pollinosis season, must be considered
important in relation to seasonal allergy. Other types of pollen and fungal spores,
which are in high concentration for a shorter period or in less quantity for a long
period, may also contribute to allergic symptoms.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.