Most postings on this topic seem to assume that the putative allergens are coming from the Alstroemeria. I know absolutely nothing about the commercial production of Alstroemeria for cut flowers. But as valuable as that crop is, I'll bet they are sprayed with something somewhere along the line. Maybe that something (or those somethings) is the source of the allergens. Jim McKenney jimmckenney@starpower.net Montgomery County, Maryland zone 7 where the one Alstroemeria long established in the garden has never bitten me At 12:48 PM 1/23/2004 -0800, you wrote: >When I was doing floral design work 5 days a week (or >more during holidays), I would have the most horrific >reastion to Alstroemaria. My finger would swell to the >point of feeling like ti was going to explode. Then it >would itch. Then it would crack. The only way to >releave the tension was to bath (not shower) when I >got home, scour my skin with a pumic stone to smooth >out the abrasions (and relieve the itching). Then I >would put cortaid on it. It would never heal but it >would be relieved for a day (maybe 2 depending on what >I designed). >When I explained that I would no longer be working >with Alstroe, I was nearly hired. Not really but they >said it was not realisitic and to get over it. >Well, I don't design as much as I used to (kind of sad >actually, I miss it) so my fingers have completley >healed but I am still cautious with the plants I >handle just in case. > >_______________________________________________ >pbs mailing list >pbs@lists.ibiblio.org >http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php >