Video Highlight: How to properly remove Ragweed
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To prevent the reoccurrence of ragweed, the neophyte should be removed before flowering and seed ripening. Pulling it out is the most effective method (Video from 13th of August 2024; location: 1230 Vienna; ©Katharina Bastl (MedUni Vienna/Pollenservice Vienna)).
Ragweed tends to grow in fallow land, along fields, as well as on construction sites and in bird feeding areas. When removing ragweed it is important for pollen allergy sufferers to take protective measures. Wearing a mask and sunglasses when the flowers are open minimizes contact with pollen. Wearing gloves helps to prevent potential skin reactions. Pulled plants should neither be thrown in the organic waste nor be composted to avoid further seed dispersal. It is best to dispose of the plants in a plastic bag in the residual waste. A big thank you to everyone who removes ragweed!
Current pollination
Pollen types : not available
NO POLLEN FLOW
FORECAST UNTIL THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW
Photo: Alternaria spore in an air sample from Vienna
Mid- and long-term forecast for Vienna
This forecast gives you an overview for a longer time period so that you can improve your planning.
Autumn is here, the temperatures are decreasing and the pollen season is coming to an end!
The number of fungal spores has decreased significantly in the last few days and has no longer been able to reach high concentrations due to the lower temperatures. Most fungal spores benefit from summer-like weather and humid and warm conditions. The concentrations may attain high levels, especially during sunny periods following rainfall and temperatures above 20°C. Currently, spores of the genera Alternaria and Epicoccum are mainly found in the Vienna pollen trap. Spores of the genus Cladosporium have decreased and are present only in small quantities.
Mugwort pollen season is also over. Mugwort pollen grains are detected in the air samples only sporadically.
Also ragweed pollen grains appear only in small amounts due to the autumnal weather. This pollen season is coming to an end as well. The Pollen Service Vienna has a cooperation with the Hungarian National Institute of Health and provides pollen data for the R-PAS (Ragweed Pollen Alarm System) forecasting model. Up to date forecast maps for the ragweed pollen distribution, which are regularly updated, can be found here.
Pollination profile
Fungal spores:
- state of the season: end of the season/moderate concentrations
- trend: constant
- time of the start of the season: earlier than average
Mugwort:
- State of the flower: end of the flower/hardly any pollination
- trend: decreasing
- time of the start of the flower: average
Ragweed:
- State of the flower: end of the flower/hardly any pollination
- trend: decreasing
- time of the start of the flower: earlier than average
The usual times of pollination can be found in our pollen calendars.
Tip of the season:
In October once again clearly visible yellow precipitation on outdoor surfaces can be observed. The reason for this renewed „sulfur rain“ is the flowering of the native cedar, which usually starts in September/October. Similar to spruce and pine, the allergic potential of the native cedar is very low, hence the dust should not worry pollen allergy sufferers.
Pollen spectrum:
Pollen of ivy, cedar and nettles occur as well
Current main allergen: Fungal spores
Exposure time in Vienna: May to October
Occurrence in Vienna: The molds in focus here thrive on vegetation. This ranges from potting soil to grain fields. Note: The concentration of fungal spores outdoor has nothing to do with the occurrence of molds indoors.
Who are “the fungal spores“?
The spores of the molds Alternaria and Cladosporium are of allergological importance, especially the former. The here discussed fungal spores are the most important ones for ambient air. There is a high diversity of molds, that are present indoors and can spread on food. Molds may cause allergies, but also toxic reactions escalating to mycosis (invasion of the inner organs).
Alternaria belongs to the blackness-fungi. It grows primarily on vegetation and causes plant diseases that can result in crop failures (fruit, cereals). Persons concerned should not mow the lawn, since it is often located on dry plants. However, Alternaria is also found in the living area.
Cladosporium belongs as well to the blackness-fungi. It prefers forests, gardens, and swamps. It is the most common fungal spore in ambient air.
Cross-reactivity: In general, there is cross-reactivity to spores of other molds (e.g. Aspergillus, Epicoccum).
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