NEWS

Pollen Allergies

Pollen is the inseminating element of plants and it comes from the anthers of male or hermaphroditic flowers. Its diffusion is entrusted to insects (=entomophilous) or to the wind (=anemophilous): this is the case for the pollen of some plants which cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
The most widespread result is allergic rhinitis that is the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane which appears under the form of cold, frequent sneezing and irritation of the eyes with itching.
In the center of Italy the cypress, with the majority of trees, produces the biggest quantity of pollen in February/March. For the olive tree instead, this period only coincides with the inception, since it reaches the peak in May/June.
Herbaceous plants, mostly represented by paritory and grasses, start in April and reach the climax in May, relenting then towards the summer and starting to slowly increase again with paritory in August/September.
The activity period is delayed in the mountains, where average temperatures are lower.
Environmental clean-up cannot be a definitive solution, since contamination happens through the air.

Nonetheless, it may be useful to follow some basic rules to avoid the nearest outbreaks:

1) Cutting is a practice that eliminates the upper part of grasses, where flowers grow. In built up areas it is important to cut grasses at least at impollination time. The land owners are required by law to carry out this procedure besides the removal of any trash abandoned in the area. Failure to do so can be notified to local police officers, as the respective municipality is obliged to ensure that the territory it controls is kept in good hygienic conditions.
2) In ornamental meadows, made up almost exclusively of graminae, cutting grass is essential for correct and regular maintenance. If this is not done periodically, one should at least ensure that grass never gets to gleaning. Observance of this rule, besides preventing impollination, guarantees a good look of the meadow, which would lose most of its nutritive substances to support the growth of flower heads.
3) In abandoned areas with presence of debris and wall remains paritory develops well. It is therefore advisable to keep them clean. FITOBENEFIT provides for grass cutting, mowing of weeds, cleaning and bonification of wild land.


In Pescara the red palm weevil is spreading (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)

In Pescara the Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), whose presence is ascertained since 2007, is spreading.
He has destroyed big sized palm trees belonging to private gardens, but considered part of the city. The same destiny have got public parks, gardens, squares and streets of the city with several palm trees reached by the insect, even after the phytosanitary treatments that the Administration has done during the spring and summer 2008.
From the core area "Riviera Nord" the, pest has spread to "Colli" and outside villages where are visible dead plants.
The citizens who have got the shock to see their great palms dead, soon receive the order to fell and destroy them at their's own charge.
The Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) favourite guest is Phoenix canariensis, the most used palm in Pescara's sea-front promenade. The elders and males are more desirables.
This insect is a coleopteron belonging to the family of Curculionidae, a parasite of most palm tree varieties, among which Phoenix, Washingtonia and Trachycarpus. Originating from South-Eastern Asia, is doubtlessly among the most dangerous plant eaters which recently spread in the Italian territory, where its presence was confirmed in 2004.
It mostly develops as an endophyte inside the palm trees it attacks. Adults are particularly attracted by damaged plants (for instance: because of bad pruning or pruning carried out in wrong periods, ruptures due to snow or wind, diseases.), where they lay eggs through holes produced through the storksbill. Larvae develop inside the flower stalk and the stem by digging long tunnels, thus compromising the livelihood and stability of the plant.
Once they are mature they cocoon and subsequently go through metamorphosis. In spring adults come out and spread, infesting other plants within few kilometers.
Healthy plants should undergo prevention treatments besides correct agronomic procedures (pruning, stem shaving, irrigation.).

In compliance with the requirements of the Regional Phytosanitary Service, FITOBENEFIT provides consulting for the appropriate management of palm trees and executes all necessary operations.


Blooming of wild orchids

 During April and May you can see on northern Maiella (Italy – Central Appennine Chain) the blooming of wild orchids belonging to genera Orchis and Dactylorhiza.
In the farm-holiday “Colle della Selva”, at Abbateggio (PE), you can have tours along nature trails rich of these bloomings.

Wild orchids (Orchis purpurea) under oaks. Path of Agritourism Colle della Selva.

For contacts visit the web-site: www.colledellaselva.it

Fitobenefit - SS16 Bis mare n°17 - C.da Frascone - Spoltore (PE) Italia - Tel/Fax: +39 085 4159013 - Mobile: +39 333 3622944 - P.IVA:01447050681 C.FISCALE: DLRLCU66H16E098T R.E.A. Pescara n° 102294