又到银杏落果季,金黄大道美到窒息臭到晕厥

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dual nature of ginkgo trees in Beijing during autumn, highlighting their aesthetic appeal contrasted with the unpleasant odor from fallen ginkgo fruits, which has become a topic of public concern and management challenge [1][9]. Phenomenon - The streets of Beijing are adorned with the golden leaves of ginkgo trees, attracting many visitors, but the ground is often littered with crushed ginkgo fruits, creating a foul smell that detracts from the beauty [6][7]. - In various locations, including parks and residential areas, the fallen ginkgo fruits create a messy and odorous environment, leading to complaints from residents and visitors alike [3][6][7]. Cause - The unpleasant odor from ginkgo fruits is attributed to the outer fleshy layer of the seeds, which contains short-chain fatty acids that release strong smells when the seeds are crushed and fermented [8]. - The ginkgo's odor serves an evolutionary purpose to attract scavengers for seed dispersal, but in urban settings, this natural function has become a nuisance [8]. Importance of Ginkgo in Beijing - Despite the odor issue, ginkgo trees are integral to Beijing's urban landscape, having been widely planted since the 1980s due to their resilience to harsh conditions and pollution [9][10]. - Ginkgo trees are favored for their ability to improve air quality and their lower allergenic potential compared to other tree species, making them suitable for urban environments [9][10]. Management Challenges - Current methods to control the odor from ginkgo fruits are limited, as the fruiting process is a natural part of the tree's lifecycle, and there are no effective technologies to prevent it [11]. - The difficulty in identifying the gender of ginkgo trees at a young age complicates efforts to manage the planting of male trees, which do not produce the odorous fruits [11]. Balancing Aesthetics and Odor Control - Cleaning efforts during the ginkgo season are intensified, with workers needing to frequently clear the streets to manage the mess and odor [12]. - Park management strategies involve a balance between maintaining the visual appeal of ginkgo trees and managing the unpleasant smell, with phased cleaning approaches being implemented [12]. Preventive Measures - Various districts in Beijing are taking proactive measures to reduce the number of ginkgo fruits, including pruning and washing pollen to lower fertilization rates [13]. - Innovative management techniques, such as mechanical harvesting of fruits before they mature, are being considered as potential solutions to the odor problem in the future [13].