Aeropalynological study in Rohtak city, Haryana, India: a 2-year survey

An aeropalynological survey was conducted at two different sites in Rohtak city, Haryana, at a height of 1.8 m, three times a day, for two consecutive years (July 2007–June 2009). A total of 31 pollen types were identified to the lowest taxonomical level whenever possible. The major contributor to the pollen load was Cannabis sativa (28.9 %) followed by Poaceae (20.65 %), Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae (10.56 %), Parthenium hysterophorus (6.80 %), Morus alba (6.15 %), Artemisia sp. (4.03 %), Cyperus sp. (3.20 %) and Eucalyptus sp. (3.07 %). Two major pollen seasons were recognized, that is, July–October and March–April, although pollen was recorded in varying concentrations all along the year. Spatial variations were also observed, with higher pollen loads at the site surrounded by dense vegetation. The study will provide preliminary but useful data to local allergologists for effective diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergic ailments.