Summary
Grasses are increasing at several sites, but intermittent rain reduces their numbers and this explains the low concentrations. Tree pollen is still moderate in Bloemfontein but the counts have decreased to low levels at all the other sampling sites.
Cape Town
Pollen concentrations increased at the beginning of this sampling week but decreased in response to cooler temperatures. Trees showed small spikes for pine (Pinaceae) and low counts for yellowwood (Podocarpaceae), plane (Platanaceae), mulberry (Moraceae), linden (Tiliaceae) and persimmon (Ebenaceae). Weeds were mezereum (Thymelaeaceae), sedges (Cyperacerae), erica (Ericaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae). Significant grass counts were seen at the beginning of the week and a strong, significant spike for the allergenic mould, Alternaria occurred.
Johannesburg
The findings for this site were not received but will be updated as soon as they reach the UCT Lung Institute.
Pretoria
Pollen was seen in low concentrations at this site. Trees included pine (Pinaceae), yellowwood (Podocarpaceae), bushwillow (Combretaceae), monkey puzzle (Araucariaceae) and karee (Rhus/Searsia). Weeds were plantain (Plantaginaceae). Moulds were low.
Bloemfontein
Grass counts have risen to moderate levels. Tree concentrations are still moderate. The dominant tree this week is olive (Oleaceae), followed by lesser concentrations for cypress (Cupressaceae), sumac (Anacardiaceae), false olive (Buddleia), bushwillow (Combretaceae), mulberry (Moraceae), ash (Fraxinus), karee (Rhus/Searsia), white stinkwood (Celtis) and elm (Ulmaceae). Low counts for weeds included the daisy family (Asteraceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), pigmyweeds (Crassulaceae), mallows (Malvaceae), plantain (Plantaginaceae) and lilies (Liliaceae). Moulds were low.
Kimberley
low pollen concentrations were observed but there are some increases in grass pollen concentrations. Trees were bushwillow (Combretaceae), yellowwood (Podocarpaceae), pine (Pinaceae), birch (Betulaceae), olive (Oleaceae), gum (Myrtaceae) and plane (Platanaceae). Weeds included goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), protea (Proteaceae) and plantain (Plantaginaceae). Moulds were low.
Durban
Low pollen concentrations were seen for all the categories. Trees included bushwillow (Combretaceae) and pine (Pinaceae). Weeds were the carnation family (Asteraceae), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae) and nettles. Moulds were generally low, but some strong spikes were seen after rain for ascospores.
Gqeberha
Pollen concentrations were all low. Trees included persimmon (Ebenaceae), waxberry (Morella), pine (Pinaceae) and karee (Rhus/Searsia). Weeds were ice-pants (Aizoaceae), erica (Ericaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), ferns (Polypodiaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae). Moulds were low.
George
The pollen count could not be quantified but tree pollen included pine (Pinaceae), the dominant tree pollen, also yellowwood (Podocarpaceae), willow (Salicaceae), monkey puzzle (Araucariaceae), karee (Rhus/Searsia), cypress (Cupressaceae) and plane (Platanaceae). Weeds were mallows (Malvaceae) and goosefoot (Chenopodiceae).
Sharpeville
No counts were received from this site.
Reference Range
Grass: Low: 0-5 Moderate: 6-20 High: 21-200
Trees: Low: 0-15 Moderate: 16-90 High: 91-1500
Weeds: Low: 0-10 Moderate: 10-50 High: 51-500
Moulds: Low: 0-900 Moderate: 900-2500 High 2500-25000
Unit: per cubic metre
