The discovery of ragweed was made this week by Dr Dilys Berman, an aerobiologist at UCT, and Professor Jonny Peter, who heads up the UCT Lung Institute’s Allergy Unit. 

Palynologist, Dr Frank Neumann, based at Wits University, whose research focuses on the impact that climate change has on vegetation, also confirmed that the pollen grains belonged to the invasive Ambrosia species.

Peter said while the threat of allergic plants such as ragweed migrating southward because of climate change had always been a concern, it was not expected to happen so soon. 

“Ragweed is incredibly invasive, and its potent pollen has been problematic in the US for many decades. In recent years, allergy sufferers in Europe and South America have also come under threat as ragweed started to invade these areas. 

“For now, KwaZulu-Natal residents are most at risk as ragweed pollen has recently been detected at the Durban monitoring site over the last few days. The counts are relatively low at this stage, but we are monitoring them daily to detect any sudden spikes. 

"A small population of ragweed has also been found on the banks of the Vaal River near Heidelberg – about 50km away from Johannesburg, while the Eastern and Western Cape still remain ragweed-free.

“Based on historical data, ragweed thrives in hot, dry environments and produces more pollen when CO2 levels are high,” said Peter. 

Berman warned that ragweed posed serious implications for human health.

“It’s been one of the most loathed weeds in the US, causing misery for 23 million Americans and it’s estimated that ragweed allergy rates in Europe will increase from 33 to 77 million in the next two decades. While we haven’t reported sensitisation in SA yet, it is a cause for concern.

“Increasing amounts of fine-powder ragweed in SA could exacerbate hay fever symptoms and asthma for the estimated 17 million South Africans who suffer from allergies.

“Given that it's highly allergenic, people who normally don’t suffer from pollen allergies may develop a sensitivity to it in the future as the weed proliferates.”

Common hay fever symptoms include red, itchy and watery eyes, a runny, itchy or congested nose, post-nasal drip etc, which could irritate and restrict the airways making it difficult to breathe.

Peter said that because of the world’s changing climate, ragweed was projected to decline in some areas as it may over time no longer be climatically suitable to grow there.

“Either way you look at it, ragweed is on the move. Once it sprouts, it can multiply and grow up to two metres in height in a matter of weeks.

“Weed control boards should add it to their invasive weeds list as soon as possible if they haven’t done so already and removal thereof should be a priority before it becomes impossible to control. 

"Some studies also suggest that ragweed poses a threat to crop health. It drains the soil and oppresses plant growth, so it is definitely a weed that should be kept an eye on and monitored carefully,” he said. 

African News Agency (ANA)