Allergen Update
Moncton, New Brunswick
Predominant pollen:
The tree pollen seasons can fluctuate from year to year by as much as two to three weeks at this site due to the effect of weather. The pollen seasons described here try to cover the time when each can occur.
Acer sp.- The maple season is effected by the weather in when it will occur and how much pollen will be released. The main season, where low to high counts will be observed, lasts from three to four weeks and can occur from late April to early June. There is a short season, lasting approximately one week, from late March to early April.
Alnus sp.- The alder season varies greatly from year to year and can be the result of the effect of weather and cyclical patterns. The counts are very sporadic in the low to high ranges from late March to mid-June.
Betula sp.- Very high birch counts are observed, the season lasts about one month and can occur from late April to mid-June. The birch look-a-likes' season is sporadic and can occur from late April to early June. Low to high counts are observed and may cause allergic reactions in individuals who are highly sensitized.
Cupressaceae group- The cedars, junipers, and yews can produce high counts from April to early May. There are two distinct seasons.
Pinaceae group- The season for the pine, spruce and firs lasts at least four weeks and can start as early as the second week of May and end as late as the first week of July. Very high counts are observed and they could be very important allergens for those individuals who are sensitized.
Populus sp.- The poplar and aspen season lasts at least one month and can occur starting late March and end as late as the second week in May. Some very high counts are observed and allergic reactions can occur in individuals who are highly sensitized.
Quercus sp.- The oaks produce counts which are mostly in the low range with occasional moderate counts observed. The season lasts approximately two weeks and can occur from mid-May to mid-June. Considered an important allergen but may not be of significance at these levels.
Fagus sp.- The beech produce low counts from mid-May to early June. This may not cause reactions except in highly sensitized individuals.
Gramineae- The heaviest counts for the grass season occur in June and July. The season starts late May and ends early October.
Ambrosia sp.- Ragweed only produces low counts in August and September.
Plantago sp.- The plantains pollinate from late June to late September. The counts are in the low range. This may cause allergic reaction in highly sensitized individuals.
Predominant Spores:
Diatrypaceae sp.- The counts are very sporadic and vary throughout the whole counting season.
Leptosphaeria sp. & Leptosphaeria look-a-likes- These two are grouped together since they are in the same class of fungi and are similar microscopically. The season is the end of May to mid-October with great fluctuations in counts from day to day. This is probably due to the effect of weather. The significant counts are mostly in the moderate range.
Erysephe (Oospora)- Powdery mildew - The season, with significant counts, is from late April to mid-October. Highest counts are mostly in the moderate range.
Caloplaca sp.- Moderate and high counts are observed from April to early October. The counts are very sporadic.
Boletus sp.- Season is from mid-June to mid-October and very high counts can occur. Considered an important allergen.
Coprinus sp.- Very high counts are observed. Season is from mid-May to late fall. Very high counts are observed from July to Mid-October. Considered an important allergen.
Ganoderma sp.- Very high counts are observed from mid-June to late fall. Considered an important allergen.
Ustlaginales- The smuts produce low and moderate counts from late May to mid-October.
Uredinales- The rusts as well produce low and moderate numbers from mid-May to mid-October.
Aspergillus sp. & Penicillium sp.- Significant counts occur throughout the whole counting season with high counts occuring from late May to early October.
Alternaria sp.- Most of the significant counts are found from mid-June to the end of September.
Cladosporium sp.- Found throughout the whole counting season. The highest counts are observed from late March to early October.
Fusarium sp.- Counts are very sporadic throughout the whole counting season. The majority of the season occurs from May to mid-October with some high counts. It is known to cause allergic reactions.
Botrytis sp.- The counts are very sporadic. They can occur in the moderate ranges from late April to October.
Helicomyces sp.- Counts fluctuate throughout the season with low to high counts from late April to mid-October.
Pithomyces sp.- Moderate counts are observed in August and September.
Polythryncium sp.- Moderate counts are observed from July to late September.
Epicoccum sp.- Moderate counts are observed from mid-July to early October.
Myxomycetes- Moderate counts are observed from mid-June to late September.
Last Updated: 09-March-2006
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