Aerobiology of Grass Pollen in the City Atmosphere of Melbourne: Effects of Weather Parameters and Pollen Sources.

Abstract

The incidence of grass pollen, estimated by using a Burkard spore trap sited above a city building, is correlated with meteorological factors. Pollen incidence was greatest on days with high maximum temperatures and reduced on days of high humidity or rainfall. Winds from the north, north-west and south-east carried the highest concentrations of pollen. Remote sensing image analysis has been used to identify the grasslands over which these winds may have passed before entering the city. An analysis of pollen yield and relative abundance of grasses in pastures and roadsides north of Melbourne has implicated ryegrass (Lolium perenne and L. rigidum) and canary grass (Phalaris tuberosa) as the major sources of atmospheric pollen.