Consequences of climate change on airborne pollen in Bavaria, Central Europe

Climate change affects the reproductive life cycles of plants, including pollen production, which has consequences for allergic respiratory diseases. We examined climatic trends at eight locations in Bavaria, Southern Germany, with time series least 10 years (up to 30 Munich). Bavaria was characterized by a rise temperature, but not during winter. There is also trend towards more continental climate significant Alps south territory. The influence depended on type. Wind-pollinated arboreal species (e.g. Alnus, Betula and Cupressaceae/Taxaceae) showed advances start end dates seasons an increase load. These changes correlated negatively late-winter (February) spring temperatures (April). For herbaceous species, like Poaceae Urticaceae, earlier season observed. Although precipitation limiting factor water availability did magnitude grass seasons. effect characteristics pronounced higher altitudes, > 800 m above sea level. Our results show that start, intensity were similar all locations, only statistically some. If we assume intense result increases prevalence severity diseases, then public health may be significant.