Allergenic weed species and possibilities of their control

Allergy is the excessive susceptibility to certain substances introduced into organism, and allergic reactions represent response of immune system to them. Plant pollen is present at various heights above sea levels in different time in a year, and various geographic region contain different kinds of pollen. It is impossible to avoid pollen. Areas of allergenic weed distribution are the most frequently ruderal sites, backyards, building sites, suburbs, road and railway sides. Pollen of allergenic weeds causes huge health problems of adults, as well as of children. Allergic sneeze, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and nettle rash are the most frequent symptoms caused by allergenic plants. Over 20% of the world population, as well as in our country is allergic to plant pollen. The most frequent allergenic weed species in Serbia are Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Asclepias syriaca L., Iva xanthifolia Nutt., Artemisia vulgaris L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Cannabis sativa L., Chenopodium album L. and all species from the Poaceae family. Measures for control of allergenic weeds must include the most efficient and ecologically most friendly ones. Use of low toxicity and ecologically acceptable herbicides has also proved highly efficient in control of allergenic weeds.