Russian Poplars And Flying Cotton In Kashmir

Russian Populus, commonly known as Russi Frass, is scientifically named Populus alba and belongs to the family Salicaceae. During April and May, female poplar trees produce white cottony seeds that are allergenic and carry large amounts of pollen from various plants along with dust particles. Pollen is a fine yellowish powder crucial for plant fertilization, typically transported by wind, birds, insects, or other animals. While vital for plant growth, pollen is also a common trigger for allergies or hay fever, especially during spring and summer, which are peak pollen seasons. Pollen allergies are widespread, affecting approximately one in seven people globally. Some individuals experience pollen allergies year-round, while others are only affected during specific seasons. The cottony seeds from female poplar trees act as vectors, dispersing atmospheric spores of bacteria, fungi, and pollen from other plants. When these pollen grains enter human noses and throats, they can trigger seasonal allergies, creating significant discomfort for those who are allergic. The common symptoms of pollen-induced allergies include nasal irritation, runny nose, and bronchitis. The proliferation of cotton from poplar trees has become a nuisance, causing continuous sneezing among many children and elderly individuals. The cotton produced by female Russian poplars is largely responsible for these allergic reactions.

“There is a need to raise awareness and educate people about the benefits of growing poplars in a balanced ratio of male and female varieties. This balance can help reduce the excessive release of pollen and cotton into the air, preventing allergies and maintaining ecological harmony in the future.”

Additionally, the fluff from these trees is highly flammable, posing a fire hazard. In some individuals, pollen can trigger skin allergies, resulting in itching and burning sensations. To mitigate these issues, doctors advise wearing masks and avoiding direct contact with pollen grains, emphasizing that prevention is better than cure. These health hazards have led to judicial reviews and calls for strong action, although the response from higher authorities and the state government has been inadequate. Despite these problems, poplar trees play a crucial role in environmental cleaning and have significant economic value. Therefore, there is a need to raise awareness and educate people about the benefits of growing poplars in a balanced ratio of male and female varieties. This balance can help reduce the excessive release of pollen and cotton into the air, preventing allergies and maintaining ecological harmony in the future.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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