Why do my allergies seem to be worse than usual this year?

ASK THE HORT AGENT

Question Why do my allergies seem to be worse than usual this year?

Answer Did you realize that Raleigh is considered one of the "Fall Allergy Capitals" of the United States? They never mention that little tidbit when Raleigh is touted as one of the best places to live. Visit these websites to see the ‘03 and ‘06 rankings, http://www.allergyactionplan.com/falltopcapitals.html http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=103&cont=494

The fall allergy season is typically driven by weed pollen and mold. Outdoor molds occur when plant parts break down under moist warm conditions. Since it has not been “moist” all summer, molds are probably not to blame for your runny nose.

Weeds are most likely the reason for your sneezin’. Plants produce microscopic pollen grains in order to transfer genetic information as part of their reproduction process. Some plants use the pollen from their own flowers to fertilize themselves. Other plants must be cross-pollinated. Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from the flower of one plant lands on the flower of another plant of the same species. This is necessary in order for fertilization to take place and seeds to form. Insects do this job for certain flowering plants, while other plants let their pollen ride the wind.

The types of pollen that most commonly cause allergic reactions are produced by plain looking plants (trees, grasses, and weeds) that do not have showy flowers. These plants manufacture small, light, dry pollen granules that are custom-made for wind transport. Samples of ragweed pollen have been collected 400 miles out at sea and 2 miles high in the air. Pollen can drift in from many miles away. In addition, most allergenic pollen comes from plants that produce it in huge quantities. A single ragweed plant can generate a million grains of pollen a day.

Weeds generally produce their offending pollen in the fall. Ragweed, pigweed, cocklebur and lambsquarters are the primary players. Dry conditions in August and early September of this year prevented these weeds from developing fully. Recent rains kicked them into overdrive. The dry weather synchronized the first fall pollen release. Unsuspecting people inhaled high numbers of pollen grains and reached for a tissue simultaneously.

If you want relief, then close your windows. The cool night air feels good, but pollen counts are highest from 5 to 10am. Most air conditioners filter some of the pollen from your living space. Hepa filters and ionic breezes also help to clear the air. The best advice is to keep your car windows up on your way to the ocean. Atlantic breezes are pretty much pollen free.

For more info on ragweed, visit http://www.acaai.org/public/linkpages/Ragweed_Pollen.htm To view pictures of the illusive ragweed flowers, check out http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artoct04/bjambro.html If you don’t have internet access, then call me at 910-893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

Keep in mind that your dog can have allergies like people. Be careful about letting him play in tall grass. Give him baths regularly this time of year. Walk him in the evening instead of the early morning. If he is allergic to dog hair, he’s just out of luck.

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent