Research has made it possible to quantify and map the distribution of ragweed and carry out efficient mitigation. Mapping of ragweed has fed into forecasting models, allowing effective management of hay fever.
Issue
Common ragweed is one of the most prominent invasive alien species in Europe. Its pollen grains are carriers of noxious allergens that may induce severe symptoms in sensitised people. It is also a significant agricultural weed with a range that is likely to increase under climate change.
Approach
Geographers at the University of Worcester researched on the production, atmospheric distribution, and health impacts of the 12 most important aero-allergenic pollens.
Birdseed packages produced in the main source areas were heavily infested with ragweed seed, thereby providing a route of infection to other European countries.
The researchers also explored the applicability of biological control of ragweed using natural enemies. They identified that the ragweed beetle (Ophraella communa), accidentally released in the Po Valley, Italy, was the likely cause of the significant decrease in atmospheric concentrations of ragweed pollen in the region.
Impact
The research helped inform a 2012 European Directive which set the maximum levels of ragweed seeds in products intended for animal feed, particularly birds.
Since 2019, the University of Worcester has been contracted to provide pollen data for the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). A ragweed forecast now allows allergy sufferers to take preventive measures days before exposure and aids clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.
More information
Institution: University of Worcester
Researchers: Professor Carsten A. Skjøth, Dr Matthew Smith