XVI International Botanical Congess

Juniperus asheii pollen, a major airborn allergin, is consistently recorded in Tulsa OK during the winter. This registration occurs during meso-scale weather patterns that transport significant concentrations from populations growing in south central Texas. During the 98/99 pollen season, pollination began in mid-Dec. and peaked around Jan. 1. Hourly concentrations in Junction TX reached >22,000 pollen grains/m3 and in Austin >38,000 pollen grains/m3. In Tulsa, a major influx occurred on the 11th and 12th of January with >1800 pollen grains/m3 registered. Wind trajectories at 200m during the event indicate a source area for these pollen grains along the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau. The registration of significant pollen concentrations in Tulsa indicate transport and deposition over 400km from the source.