polline

Polline is the Italian term for pollen, the fine powder produced by the male structures of flowering and coniferous plants. Pollen grains are microscopic, diverse in size and morphology, typically ranging from 5 to 100 micrometers in diameter. Each grain contains a male gametophyte and nutrient reserves, protected by a tough outer wall called the exine and an inner layer called the intine.

Pollen production occurs in the anthers of flowers and, in gymnosperms, in analogous structures. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from male to female structures, which can occur via wind (anemophily), insects (entomophily), or other animals and even water. Self-pollination and cross-pollination influence genetic diversity and crop yields. After landing on a suitable stigma, the pollen grain germinates a pollen tube that delivers sperm cells to the ovule, enabling fertilization.

Pollen is a common allergen and a major cause of hay fever and rhinitis in many regions. Allergic reactions depend on pollen species, concentration, and exposure; management includes monitoring pollen counts, avoidance, and pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy when appropriate.

In palynology and paleoenvironmental studies, fossil and modern pollen grains are analyzed to infer past vegetation, climate, and ecological changes. Pollen data require careful morphological identification and statistical interpretation. Polline also has economic relevance for agriculture and horticulture, informing breeding programs, crop planning, and allergen-aware cultivar development.