Pollen calendar of Agra city with special reference to allergenic significance

The pollen calendar of Agra was recorded with special reference to allergenic significance. Pollen grains of 35 species belonging to 23 angiosperm families have been identified out of a total catch of 24,220/m3 of air annually. High occurrence of pollen grains in air belonged to Asteraceae (5222/m3) and Parthenium hysterophorus contributed the maximum (17.91%) of the total airspora. Higher counts of pollen were found in ecozones surrounded by agricultural fields, parks and gardens. The skin prick tests for the clinical investigation were made. Patients of bronchial asthma with rhinitis (62.30%) were maximum followed by bronchial asthma (25.61%) and allergic rhinitis (12.07%). Maximum number of patients had symptoms between the age group of 31-40 years and male were more sensitive than females. Maximum sensitivity was caused by Amaranthus spinosus, followed by P. arthenium, P. hysterophorus, Chenopodium album, Cynodon dactylon and Cassia occidentalis.