Propagation of the allergenic Ambrosia - now beginning of flowering in August

Ambrosia is increasingly common in many federal states such as Rhineland-Palatinate
Allergologists and environmentalists warn strongly against the increasing spread of Ambrosia in Germany. In the course of climate change and the associated lengthening of the vegetation period, an increasing spread of the invasive plant species is threatening. This would significantly extend the annual suffering of many hay fever patients. In August, a massive increase in pollen levels is expected due to the onset of ragweed bloom.

Also in Rhineland-Palatinate, the Ambrosia plant is increasingly widespread, according to the message of the news agency "dpa", citing the Naturschutzbund (NABU) Rhineland-Palatinate. In the past four years, 240 Ambrosia finds have been reported from the federal state on a special Internet platform and in 219 cases it was the variety "Ambrosia artemisiifolia" (ragweed). In addition, reports of new deposits have increased significantly in the recent past, and 17 finds have been registered since June.

With the onset of ragweed bloom, many hayfever sufferers experience increased discomfort. (Image: stadelpeter / fotolia.com)

Spread over birdseed
According to the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, mugwort ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) was originally from America and was imported to Europe about 150 years ago. In recent years, the invasive neophyte has spread here. Contaminated birdseed is an important means of dispersal. In southeastern European countries, where birdseed is produced, many arable land is partially contaminated with ragweed. For example, the invasive plant species grows on sunflower fields and thus gets into the feed. Because in recent years the summers have become longer and warmer, reach the late-flowering Ambrosia in this country fruit ripeness, so that the plant can spread after sowing for the first time, explains the news agency "dpa", citing the NABU expert Laura Kettering.

High allergy potential of ambrosia
In view of the high allergenic potential of Ambrosia, discovered plants should urgently be removed. Due to the enormous production of pollen, the allergenic potential of ambrosia is "many times higher than grass pollen," according to the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture. Moreover, the late pollen season in August and September extends the usual pollen season by two months. For allergy sufferers, the increased occurrence of ambrosia is therefore a big problem. A further spread of the plant must also be prevented for reasons of allergy prevention. (Fp)