Ecopalynological Research into the Plant Cover of Croatia
Main researcher
: LOVAŠEN-EBERHARDT, ŽELJKICA (57270) Assistants
BRKIĆ, DRAGOMIR (5562)
MARTINIS, ZLATAN (29026)
Type of research: applied Duration from: 01/01/90. to 01/01/05. Papers on project (total): 0
Institution name: Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet, Prirodoslovni odjeli, Zagreb (119) Department/Institute: Division of Biology Department of Botany Address: Marulićev trg 20/2, HR-41000 Zagreb, Hrvatska City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0) 446 331
Phone: 385 (0) 446 231
Phone: 385 (0) 440 323
Fax: 385 (0) 432 526
Summary: The pollen emission has been researched on a permanent
station in Zagreb since 1973, and at 40 stations in Croatia since 1985.
Synoptic and prognostic maps of the pollen spectrum have been made for the
parts of continental and coastal Croatia. They are applied in the
prevention of polenoses and for categorising the areas suitable for
treating allergy patients. The pollen of anemo- and amphiphilous species,
which cause polenoses, including that of some controversial and variable
taxa was elaborated in Palinoflora Croatica. The research of pollination
and pollen production were connected to morphometric, ?phenologic,
floristic and vegetation research at permanent stations. Special attention
was paid to the Ranunculaceae family (Helleborus, Thalictrum, Eranthis
genera). Also researched was the pollen of some pharmacologically and
melotologically significant species (Salvia, Tilia) from the taxonomic and
morphological point of view. The categorisation and the distribution maps
of the palynoalergenae? according to aggressivity degree was carried out.
Pollen calendars were made for all stations, on the basis of the number of
pollen grains, the pollination process and the emission time. In addition,
the results of the phenological have been enhanced with the analyses of the
flora and the vegetation. The synoptic and prognostic maps of the pollen
emission have been designed for the region of Slavonia, parts of the
continental and coastal Croatia on the basis of weekly measurements carried
out during several years. By analysing individual variabilities of some
species and genera the information on phyogenetic relations within higher
systematic categories was achieved. The floristic and vegetation research
is necessary for the development of the prognostic pollen maps. The
synoptic maps are designed on the basis of the field data (measurements of
the pollen production, the flora analysis, the inflorescence and
pollination phenology) after several years of weekly measurements.
Palynological analyses were included into the palynoteca, and the floristic
and vegetation research was supported by herbarised material. Phenological
research was elaborated according to the European standards (phenophasis
cards), but only for some species significant for this type of research.
Keywords: Ecopalynology, plant cover, Croatia
Research goals: The basic aim of this research is to cover Croatia
with a network of measurement stations for recording the pollen emission.
This will include Croatia into the European network of measurements,
recording and estimates of the pollen production. The results of the
research are directly sent to the users, i.e. health institutions who treat
and test allergy patients. This also includes the designing of the
maps/atlas and the key for determination and identification of pollen
entitled Palinoflora Croatica, which would cover alergenically,
pharmacologically and melitologically significant genera and species. Also
connected with this work are palynomorphological and palynotaxonomic
research of the variable, endemic and rare genera/species of the Croatian
flora. Phenomenological observation completes the knowledge on the process
of pollination, which is an essential information for designing prognostic
and synoptic pollen maps. These maps facilitate the determination of the
areas where pollenoses are the most frequent, as well as the areas suitable
for treatment of allergy patients. The design of such maps requires the
analysis of the vegetation and the flora as well as following the changes
of the plant cover during several years (permanent measurement stations).
By analysing individual variability of genera/species the phyllogenetic
relations within individual systematic units can be identified, and
palynomorphology plays a significant role in that. Malformation, sterility
and reduced viability of the pollen are the indicators of air and soil
pollution, and are thus cited in ecological studies, along with the other
parameters. It is necessary to design maps of palynoallergens, the relative
pollen production maps (possible use in pharmacology, apiculture,
agronomy, genetics) and an Atlas of the anemo- and amfofillous pollen of
Croatia on the basis of several years of research. It is necessary to
continue working on documentation of the data - completing the palynoteca,
collecting exicats, extending work on phenological data, joining the
European network of pollen research.
COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS
Name of institution
: Klinički bolnički centar "Sv. Duh", Odjel
za kliničku imunologiju i pulmologiju Type of institution: International organization City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Name of institution
: Kilnika za kožne i spolne bolest KBC
Medicinskog fakulteta, Šalata Type of institution: University/Faculty City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia