Summary
Low pollen counts were seen at every site, but tree pollen is increasing at both the Gauteng sites (Johannesburg and Pretoria) and significant counts were seen for beech (Fagus spp.).
Cape Town
Very cold stormy weather with heavy rain and strong winds battered Cape Town during this sampling period. Low pollen concentrations were seen. Trees detected were cypress (Cupressaceae), beech (Fagus spp.) and elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae). Mould spores increased slightly as ascospores appeared after rain, but no significant mould concentrations were seen.
Calvinia
The spore trap sample did not reach the laboratory this week, so mean scores were calculated. Low pollen concentrations and mould spores are usual at this time of year. Trees previously detected in June are and weeds are spurges (Euphorbiaceae) and the daisy family (Asteraceae). Mould spores would be low.
Johannesburg
Pollen concentrations remained low at this site but a greater variety of flowering trees is noted, including Australian pine (Casuarina spp.), mulberry (Moraceae), gum (Myrtaceae), pine (Pinaceae), plane (Platanaceae), beech (Fagus spp.) karee (Rhus/Searsia spp.) and linden (Tiliaceae). Weeds were the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae). Mould spores were low.
Pretoria
Grass and weed pollen concentrations were low but tree pollen is showing increases and the significant increase in beech (Fagaceae) appeared again. Other trees detected were hackberry (Celtis spp.), bushwillow (Combretaceae), beech (Fagaceae)karee (Rhus/Searsia spp.) and gum (Myrtaceae). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae) and the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). Mould spores were low.
Bloemfontein
Pollen in all categories was low at this site. Trees detected were acacia (Acacia spp.), poplar (Populaceae), karee (Rhus/Searsia) and elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were pigmyweeds (Crassulaceae) and sedge (Cyperaceae). Mould spores were low.
Kimberley
Extremely low pollen concentrations were recorded from this site. Trees included the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) and elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were nettles (Urticaceae) and mould spores were very low.
Durban: The spore trap strip was damaged and unreadable so last week’s findings are repeated. Low grasses were seen at this sampling site. Trees were similarly low and included the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), birch (Betula) and beech (Fagus sylvatica). Weeds were the daisy family and ferns (Polypodiaceae0. Mould spores were low.
Gqeberha
No tree or grass pollen was detected at this site. A low weed pollen concentration included only the daisy family (Asteraceae) and mould spores were low.
Potchefstroom
All pollen concentrations were very low during this winter period. Trees detected were ash (Fraxinus spp.), gum (Myrtaceae), oak (Quercus spp.) and palm (Arecaceae). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae) and ferns (Polypodiaceae). Mould/fungal spores were moderate as spikes were seen for the allergenic spore Cladosporium.
