Allergy spread of the allergenic ambrosia

Spread of the „jelly“ Ambrosia dangerous for allergy sufferers

08/29/2013

Allergy experts sound the alarm, because the highly allergenic ambrosia seems to spread rapidly in this country. So far, the as well as „Mugwort ragweed“ designated plant, which is native to North America, mainly established in southeastern Europe.

Ambrosia is no longer just established in Southeastern Europe
According to allergy experts, the “Ambrosia artemisiifolia” meanwhile no longer just to be found in south-eastern Europe, but is also increasingly spreading in Central and Northern Europe. One of the reasons for this assumption is a recent study by the Frankfurt Biodiversity and Climate Research Center (BiK-F) and the Goethe University, which comes to the conclusion that the distribution is progressing rapidly and also encompasses large areas. These would include the Benelux countries, the Czech Republic, Poland and much of France and Germany. So the scientists Sarah Cunze, Marion Carmen Leiblein and Oliver Tackenberg had come to the conclusion that „all models predict an extension and a shift of the potential Ambrosia occurrence to the north within the next decades“, in which „global warming will promote the further spread and invasive potential of Ambrosia in Europe according to our model calculations. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you develop international management strategies in good time“, the researchers write in a journal article in the „ISRN Ecology“ continue.

Inflorescence and pollen are among the strongest known allergy triggers
At the same time, experts consider with great concern the spread of the annual plant from the daisy family. The reason: inflorescence and pollen of the Ambrosia - whereby this little with the „Jello Ambrosia“ from Greek mythology - are among the strongest known allergy triggers. Five to ten pollen of the plant per cubic meter of air are enough to cause severe allergic reactions. Also, the inflorescence is not dangerous, because this contains so-called „Contact allergens“ - a touch should therefore be avoided as far as possible.

Plant mainly found in gardens
Since Ambrosia flowers from July to October, the ragweed is one of the „late bloomers“. For allergy sufferers, this means an additional burden, because if the plant spreads further, the pollen season would extend significantly for many affected. According to various studies, about 11 percent of adults would be affected by this problem.
The ragweed is found primarily in gardens - especially under bird feeders - because the plant is mainly transported by contaminated birdseed, but also by potting soil and seeds. The Ambrosia also grows particularly well on disturbed soils, such as roadsides, gravel pits, railway embankments and screes.

Take care when removing the Ambrosia
However, if you find Ambrosia in your garden, you should always be careful and not touch the plant with your bare hands. Even the touch of the leaves can cause skin irritation, and it is noticeable that it comes after contact only after 20 to 30 minutes to redness and itching. Accordingly, gloves should always be worn, and in the best time even a surgical mask should be worn, and the plants should always be disposed of in household waste in a closed bag. In addition, according to experts, care should be taken that the plants are always removed along with their roots, otherwise the flower formation would start again next year by merely cutting or mowing. (No)

Picture: M.E.