The effect of meteorological conditions on hazel (Corylus spp.) and alder (Alnus spp.) pollen concentration in the air of Szczecin

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine seasonal variations in concentrations of hazel and alder pollen count due to meteorological parameters. Measurements were performed using the volumetric method. The analysed meteorological parameters were the maximum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed. The beginning and end of a season were established by the 95 % method. During seven years of study, the highest concentration of hazel pollen in the air was noted in 2003 (the total number was two - three times higher than in the other years), with the pollen season starting in most years in the beginning of January and lasting till the end of March or beginning of April. The highest concentration of alder pollen in the air was noted in 2003, similarly as hazel pollen. The pollen season started in the beginning of January (in 2003 and 2006 in the beginning of March) and lasted till the turn of the March and April. The highest pollen count of 674 grains×m^-3 was observed in the end of March. A positive and statistically signifi cant correlation (Pearson's coeffi cient and multiple regression) was found between the hazel and alder pollen concentration and air temperature and wind speed. A negative correlation was found in case of the relative humidity. A lot of analysed correlations were signifi cant (significance level of p=0.05), although the percentage of explained variation (R²) was very low. Besides the individual rhythm of pollination, the meteorological conditions are the most important factors (mainly air temperature and wind speed) influencing the analysed pollen concentration in the air.