Aeropalynology of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in Relation to Meteorological Parameters from Srinagar Valley of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus (congress grass) is a harmful weed and its pollen grains are important allergens. Due to its minute size and allergenic activity, this particular type of pollen is selected for the study. The aeropalynological survey was conducted for the year 2019 at Chauras Campus, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand. It is located on the right bank of the Alaknanda river (30°13’35.81”N & 78°48’11.05”E; 560 m amsl). A Rotarod sampler was used for air sampling. The maximum pollen count was observed in July. To evaluate the correlation matrix in R software, correlations (Pearson’s and Spearsman’s) between pollen count and meteorological parameters have been calculated. Back trajectory analysis has also been done using NOAA HYSPLIT MODEL.

Keywords

• parthenium hysterophorus, aeroallergens, pollen grains, rotarod sampler, meteorological parameters, back trajectory analysis