It has been demonstrated that pollen grains contain NAD(P)H oxidases that induce oxidative stress in the airways, and this oxidative insult is critical for the development of allergic inflammation in sensitized mice. On the basis of this observation, we have examined whether pollen grain exposure triggers oxidative stress in dendritic cells (DCs), altering their functions. To test this hypothes...

Proper organization of the actin cytoskeleton is crucial for pollen tube growth. However, the precise mechanisms by which the actin cytoskeleton regulates pollen tube growth remain to be further elucidated. The functions of the actin cytoskeleton are dictated by its spatial organization and dynamics. However, early observations of the distribution of actin filaments at the pollen tube apex were...

The aim of the study was to characterise Artemisia pollen season types according to weather conditions in Wrocław (south-western Poland) in the years 2002-2011. Over the period analysed, the start date of the pollen season (determined by the 95 % method) ranged from 10 July 2002 to 28 July 2010. The start date of the pollen season can be determined by using Crop Heat Units (CHUs). During the pe...

in vitro pollen germination and also pollen tube growth dynamics in different pollination treatments under controlled temperature, humidity and photoperiodicity were studied regarding four cultivars (‘shastomi - e - do’, ‘ebrahim - e - kalajah’, ‘sefid - e - rezaeeieh’ and ‘razi’) under self and under cross-pollination along with three superior genotypes (‘269’, ‘416’ and ‘464’) of apricot. fol...

An attempt was made to compare pollen counts determined by the volumetric method (Burkard sampler) with the gravitational method (Durham’s sampler) during the flowering seasons of evergreen coniferous trees such as (1) Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica (abbreviation in this article: JC) and (2) Cupressaceae family, mainly hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa (abbreviation: Cup). Observations...

BACKGROUND Peltophorum pterocarpum and Delonix regia are dominant avenue trees in the city of Kolkata in India. They are well adapted to the humid tropical climate and also grow commonly in different parts of the country. Their pollen grains are reported to be airborne. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to conduct an aerobiological survey in Kolkata to determine the concentration and season...

BACKGROUND Fungal spores and plant pollen cause respiratory diseases in susceptible individuals, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Aeroallergen monitoring networks are an important part of treatment strategies, but unfortunately traditional analysis is time consuming and expensive. We have explored the use of infrared spectroscopy of pollen and spores for an in...

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an important oil crop worldwide and exhibits significant heterosis. Effective pollination control systems, which are closely linked to anther development, are a prerequisite for utilizing heterosis. The anther, which is the male organ in flowering plants, undergoes many metabolic processes during development. Although the gene expression patterns underlying polle...