Skin allergy test/s query
no.to...@gmail.com
Allergy test/s feedback.
The pierced skin took longer to swell than she seemed to expect, and her
questions gave valuable clues. Eg. since wool is 'biological' it may be
suspect, instead of being seen as holy as the marketing has instilled.
Since I suspect the allergy works down at the DNA level, and apparently
dassies/hyakra?s are related to elephants and not rats/rabitts, perhaps
allergy to dassies shows allergy to elephants?
As I expected: the record of the 8 samples is just a subjective judgment
of the swelling. I know about the 'cats problem', but bermuda-grass
showed even stonger and I don't know where/what it is. She gave me a blade
to try my own test/s for 'london plane/plain tree test'. I suspect/hope
that the allergen is in the leaves, as much as in the fluffy-balls.
Like I guess pollen is only more problematic the leaves, because the leaves
can't float in the air and be inhaled?
I'm hoping to get some info off the internet.
== TIA.
J
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/turf/publications/bermuda.html
Bermudagrass
"The Sports Turf of the South"
Richard L. Duble, Turfgrass Specialist
Texas Cooperative Extension
Text and images copyright �ｿｽ Richard Duble.
Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a major turf species for sports fields, lawns,
parks, golf courses, and general utility turfs in Australia, Africa, India,
South America and the Southern region of the United States. It is found in over
100 counties throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Common
bermudagrass, C. dactylon, naturalized throughout the warmer regions of the
United States, was introduced into this country during the colonial period from
Africa or India. The earliest introductions are not recorded, but bermudagrass
is listed as one of the principal grasses in the Southern States in Mease's
Geological Account of the United States published in 1807.
The genus Cynodon comprises nine species with C. dactylon being the most
widespread. That C. dactylon is a tetraploid with broad genetic variability
serves to explain its widespread distribution. Other Cynodon species have a
more limited natural distribution and are often restricted to one particular
habitat. C. dactylon is highly fertile, whereas the diploid species such as C.
transvaalensis rarely produce viable seed.
C. dactylon (L.) Pers is commonly called bermudagrass in many areas of the
world. But, it is also known by numerous other names including "Kweekgras" (S.
Africa), couch grass (Australia and Africa), devil's grass (India) and
gramillia (Argentina). The variety of names given this species attests to its
wide distribution and to the fact that it is the object of abuse and scorn.
In addition to being a widely used species for forage and turf, C. dactylon is
a serious weed in many crops. Being a vigorous, stoloniferous grass, it rapidly
invades crops in high rainfall or irrigated areas. C. dactylon is ranked among
the three most troublesome weeds in sugarcane, cotton, corn and vineyards in
many countries. It is a difficult weed to eradicate because of its seed
production and deep rhizomes.
In the United States the distribution of bermudagrass extends from New Jersey
and Maryland southward to Florida and westward to Kansas and Texas. Under
irrigation its distribution extends westward to southern New Mexico, Arizona
and to most major valleys in California. The development of more cold tolerant
turf-type varieties of bermudagrass such as U-3 and Midiron has increased
interest in the species near its northern limits. Low winter temperature is the
factor that limits the northward distribution of bermudagrass.
Description. Bermudagrass (C. dactylon (L.) Pers.) is a highly variable, sod
forming perennial that spreads by stolons, rhizomes and seed. Stolons of
bermudagrass readily root at the nodes. Lateral buds develop at the nodes to
produce erect or ascending stems that reach 5 to 40 cm (rarely over 90 cm) in
height. In most Cynodon sp., leaves are borne on stems with long internodes
alternating with one or more very short internodes. This characteristic gives
the impression that the species has multiple-leaved nodes. Leaf sheaths are
compressed to round, loose, split, smooth, sparsely hairy, up to 15 cm long,
and with a tuft of hairs 2 to 5 mm long. Auricles are absent. Collar is
continuous, narrow, glabrous and hairy on margins. Leaf blades are 2 to 16 cm
long, 1.5 to 5 mm wide, smooth to sparsely pubescent, folded or loosely rolled
in the bud and sharply-pointed. The inflorescence consists of 3 to 7 spikes in
a single whorl in a fingerlike arrangement and 3 to 10 cm long. In robust forms
there may be up to 10 spikes, sometimes in two whorls. Spikelets are 2 to 3 mm
long, in 2 rows tightly appressed to one side of the rachis; glumes are to �ｿｽ
the length of spikelet; lemma is boot-shaped, acute with fringe of hairs on the
keel and longer than the glume; seed is 1.5 mm long, oval, straw to red-colored
and free within the lemma and palea.
Bermudagrass has a fibrous, perennial root system with vigorous, deep rhizomes.
Roots are produced at the nodes after new leaves or tillers are produced during
the growing season and after new shoots are produced in the spring. Mature
roots are yellow to brown while new roots are white. Mature roots deteriorate
throughout the growing season and new roots are produced continuously. Root
production and dieback has been reported to be particularly high in the spring
at the onset of shoot production.
Adaptation and Use. Bermudagrass is a warm season perennial species adapted to
tropical and subtropical climates. It grows best under extended periods of high
temperatures, mild winters and moderate to high rainfall. Temperature is the
main environmental factor that limits its adaptability to tropical and
subtropical areas of the world. The northern limits of bermudagrass extend into
the transitional zone of the United States where low temperatures seldom drop
below 10�ｿｽF. In general, temperatures below 30�ｿｽF kill the leaves and stems of
bermudagrass. Research has demonstrated that bermudagrass will continue to grow
with night temperatures as low as 34�ｿｽF if day temperatures are near 70�ｿｽF.
However, when average temperatures drop below 50�ｿｽF growth stops and the grass
begins to discolor. At the onset of low temperatures in the fall and winter,
bermudagrass begins to discolor, protein fractions change in composition and
reserve carbohydrates increase in the stems and rhizomes. After the first
killing frost, leaves and stems of bermudagrass remain dormant until average
daily temperatures rise above 50�ｿｽF for several days. The roots and rhizomes of
bermudagrass continue to grow several weeks after the leaves and stems stop
growth.
In warm frost-free climates bermudagrass remains green throughout the year, but
growth is significantly reduced at the onset of cool nights. The species makes
the best growth where average daily temperatures are above 75�ｿｽF. Optimum
daytime temperature for bermudagrass is between 95�ｿｽ and 100�ｿｽF.
Soil temperature, as influenced by air temperature, is also important to the
growth and development of bermudagrass turf. Soil temperatures above 65�ｿｽF are
required for significant growth of rhizomes, roots and stolons. Optimum soil
temperature for root growth is around 80�ｿｽF.
Bermudagrass has a high light requirement and does not grow well under low
light (shaded) conditions. The duration of the light period (day length) also
influences growth and development of bermudagrass. Both increased light
intensity and day length increase rhizome, stolon and leaf growth in
bermudagrass. At low light intensities (less than 60% full sunlight)
bermudagrass develops narrow, elongated leaves; thin upright stems; elongated
internodes and weak rhizomes. Consequently, bermudagrass develops a very sparse
turf under moderately shaded conditions.
Bermudagrass is found in tropical and subtropical climates with 25 to 100
inches of annual rainfall, but it also survives in arid climates along
waterways and in irrigated areas. Where annual rainfall is below 20 inches per
year, bermudagrass requires irrigation to survive. Bermudagrass develops into a
semidormant state during very dry conditions, but has the capability of
surviving extreme droughts. Rhizomes of bermudagrass can lose 50% or more of
their weight and still recover when favorable moisture develops. Generally,
common bermudagrass, or tetraploids of C. dactylon, have the deepest root and
rhizome penetration and better withstand prolonged drought periods.
Common bermudagrass also has the characteristic of producing seedheads under
stress conditions such as drought. Thus, the seeds provide another method by
which the species can survive extreme drought. Some natural biotypes of C.
dactylon produce numerous seeds. The seeds are very small with about 2,000,000
seeds per pound.
Bermudagrass grows well on a wide variety of soils from heavy clays to deep
sands, provided fertility is not limiting. It tolerates both acid and alkaline
soil conditions and is highly tolerant to saline conditions. Bermudagrass
survives some flooding but does best on well-drained sites. Although it may
persist under low fertility, bermudagrass has a high nitrogen requirement for
good quality turf.
Bermudagrass has numerous turf uses. It has been suggested that if ever a plant
deserved a monument for its service to mankind, it was bermudagrass for what it
has done to prevent soil erosion, to stabilize ditch banks, roadsides and
airfields, to beautify landscapes and to provide a smooth, resilient playing
surface for sports fields and playgrounds. Bermudagrass also provides hay and
pasture for livestock throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the
world.
Turf uses of common bermudagrass include sports fields, lawns, parks,
playgrounds, golf course fairways, roadsides, cemeteries, and other general
purpose turf. Hybrid bermudagrass and selections of common bermudagrass are
used for special purposes such as sports fields, golf greens, bowling greens,
tennis courts, and lawns.
Bermudagrass is well suited to high traffic areas such as sports fields, golf
courses, and playgrounds. A dense bermudagrass turf tolerates moderate wear and
compaction and recovers rapidly from wear injury. Under moderate fertilization,
frequent mowing and adequate moisture bermudagrass forms a dense, fine-textured
turf. The only situation where bermudagrass cannot be used is in moderate to
heavily shaded sites.
Varieties. Selections of superior strains of common bermudagrass, natural
hybrids between C. dactylon and C. transvaalensis and crosses resulting from
grass breeding programs have been released by state universities, the Crop
Research Division of the USDA and the U.S. Golf Association Green Section. All
of the hybrid bermudagrasses are sterile and must be propagated by sprigs or
sod. Some selections from C. dactylon produce viable seed. Nu-Mex Sahara and
Princess bermudagrass are improved seeded varieties of bermudagrass. Brief
descriptions of the major sports turf-type bermudagrass varieties follows:
U-3 (C. dactylon). Selected from Savannah Golf Club near Savannah, Georgia in
1936 from a series of fine-strain selections. Selected because of its cold
hardiness, fine texture, rapid spread and durability under a wide range of soil
and climatic conditions. The selection was released in 1957 by the Crops
Research Division, ARS, USDA, and the U.S. Golf Association Green Section.
Adapted for use on lawns, golf courses and athletic fields.
Sunturf (C. magennissii). Originated in S. Africa as a natural hybrid between
C. dactylon and C. transvaalensis and introduced into the U.S. in 1949.
Released cooperatively by Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and South Carolina
Agricultural Experiment Stations in 1956. Dark Green, fine-textured, low
growing variety that forms a very dense turf. Widely used for lawns in the
southwestern U.S.
Tiflawn (Cynodon sp.). A hybrid between two selections from a pasture breeding
program at the Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Station at Tifton. Released in
1952 by Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Crops Research
Division, ARS, USDA. A medium-textured, very fast spreading, wear resistant
variety that forms a dense, weed-free turf. Particularly well-suited for lawns
and athletic fields in the southeastern U.S.
Tifgreen (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis). A hybrid between a fine- textured
selection of C. dactylon from the Charlotte Country Club, Charlotte, North
Carolina, and C. transvaalensis. Released in 1956 by Georgia Agricultural
Experiment Station and Crop Research Division, ARS, USDA. Tifgreen in a low
growing, rapid spreading variety that develops a dense, weed resistant turf.
Its density, fine texture and soft leaves make Tifgreen an excellent turf for
golf greens. Also, it tolerates overseeding with winter grasses better than
most bermudagrass varieties. Tifgreen is highly susceptible to injury by ground
pearls in the southwestern U.S. and is severely discolored by air pollution in
areas where this is a problem. It is also highly susceptible to spring dead
spot in the transition zone of the U.S. Tifgreen is recommended for golf greens
and fairways, tennis courts, bowling greens and fine lawns with a high level of
maintenance.
Texturf-10 (C. dactylon). Selected from common bermudagrass fairway at the
Corsicana Country Club in Corsicana, Texas, for its medium texture, dark green
color, sparse seedheads and dense turf. It also has good wear tolerance and
late fall color retention and makes earlier spring recovery than common
bermudagrass. Texturf-10 was released by the Texas Agricultural Experiment
Station in 1957. It is recommended for athletic fields, playgrounds and lawns.
Texturf-10 is sensitive to chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, turning a
straw color several days after an application of these materials. The grass
recovers in 7 to 10 days with no permanent damage.
Tifway (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis). A chance hybrid that appeared in a
lot of seed of C. transvaalensis from Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1954. It
is very similar to Tifgreen except for its greater stiffness of leaf blades and
darker green color. Released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station and
Crops Research Division, ARS, USDA, in 1960. Recommended for golf course tees
and fairways, home lawns, athletic fields and tennis courts. An improved
selection of Tifway, Tifway II, was recently released for its superior cold
tolerance.
Santa Ana (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis). A selection from C. dactylon
(Royal Cape) obtained from South Africa in 1954. The initial selection was made
at UCLA in 1956 for its deep blue-green color, medium-fine texture and good
fall color retention. Santa Ana was found to have good salt tolerance and a
high degree of tolerance to smog which frequently discolored Tifway and
Tifgreen varieties. Released by the California Agricultural Experiment Station
in 1966, Santa Ana is recommended for golf courses, athletic fields,
playgrounds and lawns. Careful management is required to prevent thatch
accumulation.
Ormond (C. dactylon). Selected from a fairway at Ellinor Village Country Club,
Ormond Beach, Florida, for attractive blue-green color, vigor and prostrate
growth habit. It has a medium texture and tolerance to leaf disease, but lacks
cold tolerance. Released by Florida Agricultural Experiment Station in 1962.
Well adapted in Florida for use on lawns, golf courses, playgrounds and
athletic fields.
Midway (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis). A medium-textured lawn grass that
produces relatively few seedheads. Released by the Kansas Agricultural
Experiment Station in 1965 for its superior cold tolerance in Kansas.
Recommended for lawns, golf courses and athletic fields in the upper South.
Tifdwarf (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis). A selection from Tifgreen golf
greens in Sea Island, Georgia, and Florence, South Carolina, where both greens
were planted with Tifgreen obtained from the Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment
Station at Tifton. Evidence indicates that Tifdwarf is a vegetative mutant that
occurred in Tifgreen at Tifton before the first planting stock was sent out for
testing. Tifdwarf resembles Tifgreen except that its leaves and internodes are
significantly shorter than those of Tifgreen and it has a darker green color.
Tifdwarf turns a reddish-purple color after the first cool temperatures in the
fall. High rates of nitrogen in the fall will reduce the degree of
discoloration. Tifdwarf is slower to recover than Tifgreen when both are
planted on 12-inch center. Released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment
Station, Tifton and Crop Research Division, ARS, USDA, in 1965 for its superior
putting quality. Tifdwarf is recommended for golf greens, tennis courts and
bowling greens.
Pee Dee (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis). A selection from an early South
Carolina planting of Tifgreen. Like Tifdwarf, Pee Dee is believed to be a
mutation from Tifgreen. Pee Dee is a dark green, very fine (dwarf) textured,
fast spreading variety. Unlike Tifdwarf, Pee Dee is faster spreading than
Tifgreen when planted on equal spacings. Released by the South Carolina
Agricultural Experiment Station, Clemson, in 1968. Recommended for golf greens
in the southeastern United States.
Propagation. Common bermudagrass (C. dactylon (L) Pers.) is the only widely
used turf-type bermudagrass variety that can be established from seed. Nu-Mex
Sahara, Princess, Sonesta are new seeded varieties that have seen limited use
in the southwestern U.S. All hybrid bermudagrasses are sterile and must be
propagated vegetatively by stolons, rhizomes or sod.
Certified bermudagrass seed should be planted at a rate of �ｿｽ to 1 pound of seed
per 1,000 sq. ft. Spring and summer plantings should utilize hulled
bermudagrass seed for faster germination. Late fall and winter plantings should
be with unhulled bermudagrass seed to delay germination of a significant amount
of the seed until more favorable conditions occur in the spring. Unhulled
bermudagrass seed might be planted together with annual ryegrass in the fall to
provide temporary cover and protection from soil erosion during winter months.
Annual ryegrass will delay the development of a bermudagrass turf, but it may
be needed for cover and protection.
When planting in the fall and winter on areas subject to severe erosion, wheat
or rye can be drilled with unhulled bermudagrass seed. The wheat or rye will
establish quickly and provide some cover during winter months. The small grains
also provide less competition than ryegrass to seedling bermudagrass in late
spring.
Bermudagrass sprigs or stolons for planting should be freshly harvested and
protected from desiccation by wind and sun. Also, they should not be subject to
excessive heating which occurs when moist planting material is tightly packed
or covered for several days. Sprigs are usually distinguished from stolons in
that sprigs consist of stolons with roots and rhizomes; whereas stolons consist
of above ground parts only. Sprigs are produced by shredding harvested sod or
by sprig harvesters. Stolons are generally harvested with a vertical mower or a
flail mower set close to the ground. Sprigs will tolerate slightly more
environmental stress during planting and establishment because of the energy
reserves in the roots and rhizomes.
no.to...@gmail.com
> no.to...@gmail.com wrote:
--snip --
> > Like I guess pollen is only more problematic the leaves, because the leaves
> > can't float in the air and be inhaled?
> > I'm hoping to get some info off the internet.
> >
> > == TIA.
>
> http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/turf/publications/bermuda.html
> Bermudagrass
> "The Sports Turf of the South"
>
> Richard L. Duble, Turfgrass Specialist
> Texas Cooperative Extension
> Text and images copyright � Richard Duble.
>
> Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a major turf species for sports fields, lawns,
> parks, golf courses, and general utility turfs in Australia, Africa, India,
> South America and the Southern region of the United States. It is found in over
> 100 counties throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
OK, thanks. From the/a picture I think I recognise it.
I used to like to pull out a 'shoot off of a stem' and chew the suculent
botton 1 cm. section.