Ambrosia, this very allergenic plant is present in Burgundy, particularly in Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire and Côte-d’Or. In the latter department, it was identified in 1955, at Luxon a site where American troops were stationed during the First World War.
Ambrosia is a plant native to North America. How did she get to Europe? Scientific literature explains that it was originally imported in the 18th century to form part of collections in botanical gardens. In France, it would have appeared for the first time in the Allier in 1863.
Ambrosia also arrived viaimportation of legume seeds, during the 19th century. A weed, disseminated in cultivated plots, which is found in crops at the same time as the harvest. During World War I and World War II, this is how ambrosia seeds were transported with American equipment to Europe. This is particularly the case in Burgundy.
In Côte d’Or, where the Americans had built, in 1917, a veterinary camp dedicated to treating horses wounded during the fighting, seeds of ambrosia have certainly arrived, mixed with the fodder. Ambrosia has proliferated on the spot, particularly in gravel pits, as reported in an article published in Le Monde des Plantes in 2006 (taking up a study by INRA in Dijon).
In 1955 the botanist wrote: “The situation is quite exceptional with a high density of ragweed over several hectares, some areas having 100% coverage on the deepest part.
How to get rid of ambrosia?
Ambrosia, an opportunistic plant, develops particularly well in wild spaces, on the sides of the road, in the paths.
The only way to eradicate it: uprooting before the plant goes to seed. In the ground, the seeds retain their germinative power for about ten years.
The period when it is most harmful, when it emits pollen, extends from August to October. It causes rhinitis, itching, eczema…
Apart from desensitization by immunotherapy, there is no treatment other than antihistamines. It is advisable not to go out in case of strong heat, wind and during peaks of pollution because they favor the emission of pollen. Follow the advice given by the Association Française d’Etudes des Ambroisies (AFEDA)
Document of the Regional Health Observatory (ORS) Burgundy: Preparatory study for the implementation of an adapted plan, carried out at the request and with the financing of the ARS Bourgogne in July 2013
