AIRBORNE POLLEN SURVEYS IN INDIA DURING LAST FIFTEEN YEARS (2006-2020): A REVIEW

Abstract

Pollen grains are important bioparticles produced by the angiospermic plants. They are the
carriers of male gametes that fertilize egg to form embryo. Being microscopic they are not
visible but these airborne bioparticles contain some proteins in their composition that elicit
allergenic response on coming in contact with human body. Most pollen in air are produced
from anemophilous plants, while some belong to entomophilous and amphiphilous species.
Wind pollinated taxa are the major source of inhalant pollen allergens. The knowledge of the
pollen types in different times of the year provides help to allergists in identifying the
suspected pollen type causing allergic reactions. Besides this being an atmospheric bioaerosol
their role are also been analysed as carrier of pathogens like bacteria, virus and fungi. Thus
the knowledge of their seasonal concentration in air is of prime importance as they form
allergenic composition as well as pathogen carriers. Keeping this in view aeropalynological
surveys were conducted in different cities in India and abroad to identify the hypersensitivity
time for susceptible persons so that precautions can be taken by patients or appropriate
treatment can be done by doctors. The present review compiles the aeropalynological surveys
in different cities of India for the last fifteen years from 2006 to 2020.