Naturally West: Got the springtime sniffles?

from The Fringe, September 2020

Ark in the Park appoints new programme manager

Above: Privet in flower.

Below: The Acacia tree family are prolific pollen producers. Photo by Scott Hammond.

For more information on the trees, weeds and grass types that cause hay fever and pollen distribution times, check out the Allergy New Zealand Annual Pollen Calendar at www.allergy.org. nz and visit pestplants. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information on how to eradicate common pest plants.

Springtime should be a cheerful time of year with the arrival of tree blossom and spring bulbs, but it can be miserable if you suffer from hay fever.

I live with a hay fever sufferer who, as a child, had quite severe allergies triggered by plants. Last month we were in rural Nelson on a hillside, and watched in amazement as clouds of pine tree pollen drifted downwind after a period of settled, still weather turned gusty. It was so thick and visible that although we were some distance from the pine trees, we could detect a pollen layer on our mobile phone screens. Surprisingly my husband suffered no hay fever symptoms. People with hay fever that erupts in spring are most likely allergic to a w i n d - a s s i s t e d pollen, with grass pollen being the most common allergen. The Allergy New Zealand website www. a l l e r g y. o r g . n z advises that preventative medication, such as nasal cortico-steroid sprays and oral histamines, can reduce and control symptoms for most people. Make sure you are shown how to use the nasal sprays and, if possible, start these a few weeks before the start of spring to give them time to take effect.

In addition to medication, you can also try to reduce your exposure to pollen. First, it is important to know that the highest levels are generally in the early morning, when plants release their pollen grains, and on dry, windy days when a lot of pollen will be blowing in the air. Thunderstorms in spring and summer can also be a high-risk time for people with grass pollen allergy.

Here are some tips for reducing pollen exposure: • Keep windows and doors closed overnight particularly during thunderstorms and on windy days. If possible, use a ventilation or air conditioning system with a good filter to keep cool.

• Stay indoors on windy days or during and after thunderstorms. If you need to go out, wear a mask and take a non-drowsy antihistamine. • Keep car windows closed and use the air recycle setting. • Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lowest, such as in the late afternoon or during cool, wet weather. • Avoid hanging washing outdoors during high pollen days. If possible, use an indoor drying rack or the clothes dryer. • In your garden, limit grassy areas, or get someone else to mow the lawns. Use plants that self-pollinate or are insect pollinated.

There are some well known New Zealand pest plants that are large pollen producers although not all are the allergy catalysts they are assumed to be.

Privet: This evergreen tree produces pollen from late spring (November) up to early autumn (March). It has a highly scented flower, which is an irritant to most allergy sufferers, but is not a strong allergen. Skin prick tests in patients with allergic rhinitis rarely get positive reactions to privet. Most people who think they are allergic to privet are actually allergic to ryegrass.

There are four species of privet in New Zealand, and all their leaves and berries are poisonous to both people and animals. It is also an environmental pest that crowds out other trees and impedes seed germination, although it is much loved by bees.

To control privet, it is recommended to paint the cut stumps with Escort paste.

Wattle: Also known as Acacia, wattle trees are frequently blamed for early spring hay fever symptoms but tests rarely confirm that wattle pollen is the cause. However, dense stands of wattle are a serious threat to regenerating bush.

To control wattle, paint the tree stumps with Tordon. Wattle trees can also be ringbarked with the bare wood painted with Tordon.

Gorse: The pollen season for gorse is a whopping nine months of the year, from autumn (March) until the end of spring in November. And while the evidence connecting it to hay fever remains anecdotal, gorse is known to produce copious amounts of pollen and is widespread throughout New Zealand. While it's easy to hate this prickly pest, gorse is an important food source for bees and pollinators, especially in winter, as well as an important nursery plant for regenerating bush.

Use gels such as Tordon or Vigilant for gorse control.

Introduced plants and trees are the most troublesome source of allergenic pollen in New Zealand, with common plants such as Perennial Ryegrass, English Plantain, and Silver Birch being some of the worst.