On the pollen morphology and frequency of allergic sensitization in Sicily of the genus Salsola L. (Chenopodiaceae).

The pollen morphology of the genus Salsola L. (Chenopodiaceae) and the distribution of the plant in Italy was described and the frequency of sensitization in a population of allergic patients was studied. Sensitization to Salsola was present in 13.7% of 343 allergic patients. This sensitization has always been observed in association with other pollens except for one case. The importance of this sensitization in the Mediterranean areas was emphasized considering the common frequency of Chenopodiaceae sensitization and the very frequent cross-reactivity within the same family and between Chenopodiaceae and Amaranthaceae.