Effects of temperature on flowering phenological traits of Populus euphratica Oliv. and Populus pruinosa Schrenk populations,Xinjiang, China

The aims of this study were to explore the interspecific differences of Populus euphratica Oliv. and Populus pruinosa Schrenk populations and the intraspecific differences of males and females within the same species in flowering phenological traits, and the effects of temperatures on flowering phenological traits in different growth years (2001-2003 and 2013-2015). The results showed that P. euphratica population flowered earlier than P. pruinosa population. Moreover, flowering phenological period of population, number of days of flowering phenological period per population, number of days of flowering phenological period per plant and average number of days of flowering period per plant of P. euphratica population were less than those of P. pruinosa population. The differences between male and female within the same species indicated that the flowering periods of males P. euphratica and P. pruinosa populations were earlier than those of female plants. For both species, flowering phenological traits were significantly and negatively correlated with the average temperatures in previous ten days, previous one month and previous three months of flowering. Both species are sensitive to temperature changes and adjust to the changes by advancing the start of flowering and prolonging the duration of flowering.     

Phenological dynamics of the invasive plant Acacia longifolia in Portugal

Phenological shifts may play an important role in the success of invasive species. In the coastal regions of continental Portugal, Acacia longifolia is one of the most widespread invasive plants, but there are significant gaps in our understanding and interpretation of its phenology. This study is the first to investigate the phenological variation of A. longifolia and its association with climate in populations representing a temperature and precipitation gradient in mainland Portugal. The results highlighted significant variations in the vegetative (leaf initiation) and reproductive phenophases (bud formation, flowering and fruiting) among populations. Overall, leafing was observed throughout the year, bud formation occurred between summer and spring, anthesis between late winter and the beginning of spring, and fruiting started in late winter. Most of the reproductive phenophases varied across elevation or latitudinal gradients, with populations that were subjected to more stressful climatic conditions advancing their flowering and fruiting phenophases. The occurrence of each phenophase was strongly associated with the climatic conditions in the previous 5–12 months, suggesting that plants receive their phenological cues well in advance of their phenological response. Among climatic factors, temperature and irradiance were the most significant predictors of the phenological cycle of A. longifolia, but precipitation also exerted a greater influence on budding and flowering of the species. The phenological response of A. longifolia in a variety of sites represents an important step towards understanding how its phenology may react to the projected climate change in the Mediterranean region.     

Unrestricted growth, tuber formation and spread of Cyperus esculentus L. in Zimbabwe

The unrestricted growth and clonal spread from individual tubers of Cyperus esculentus L. were studied in Zimbabwe. Clonal material, collected from the Trelawney area, was grown in a square arrangement in the field with a 5 m spacing between original tubers. Growth was recorded at approximately monthly intervals for 2 years. The natural logarithm of clonal spread (m per month) was positively correlated to temperature and rainfall. Most growth occurred from November to March, a period of optimal moisture and temperature conditions. There was little growth during the remainder of the year. The changes in clonal spread during the year are expressed mathematically and incorporate two parameters of growth; one describes the rate of growth and the other predicts the radius once growth ceases Tuber numbers increased exponentially from December-April, the rate of tuber production being greater in the first than in the second year of growth. Tuber production was greatest during March, April and December, 1980. Dormancy of the tubers decreased during the cooler months from May to August. The value of describing unrestricted clonal growth, and conditions favouring tuber production, are discussed.     

Seasonal abundance of the western flower thripsFrankliniella occidentalis in the arava valley of Israel

Flowers of 22 plant species grown in the Arava region of Israel were sampled at periodic intervals to study the seasonal abundance ofFrankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Samples were collected from the most common cut-flower and vegetable plant species in this area during 1997 and from pepper in 1996–1998. Western flower thrips (WFT) was detected on 19 of the plant species surveyed, and it reproduced on numerous plant species. WFT counts peaked in late February–April and in October–December. The peak density of WFT during March in our survey corresponded to the peak flowering of cut-flower plants (during spring) and sweet pepper (during autumn). Thrips population was less abundant during autumn than in spring and was very low during summer. The possible reasons for fluctuations in thrips densities are abiotic factors (temperature and relative humidity), and availability of flowering plants. The high temperature (>40°C) and low humidity (∼20%) in summer caused a drastic reduction in WFT populations, although some flowering plant species were available in this season. WFT population remained low until October, when adults appeared in large numbers on flowering pepper. We assume that the thrips had survived the hottest months by aestivation and migrated to the plants when air temperature decreased. In most samples from the cut-flower fields, 84.8% were adult WFT; only during the period from the end of January to March, did the proportion of immature stages in the thrips population increase to 31.6%. Females always outnumbered males (71% females). In pepper fields during the first cropping month the thrips population included 96% adults; from November onwards, the proportions of adults and immatures were almost equal; and females outnumbered males. Organic pepper fields were not infested with thrips because of the presence of the predatory bugOrius albidipennis (Fieber). Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization. No. 534/00, 2000 series. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting July 16, 2002.     

DON content in oat grains in Norway related to weather conditions at different growth stages

High concentrations of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by Fusarium graminearum have occurred frequently in Norwegian oats recently. Early prediction of DON levels is important for farmers, authorities and the Cereal Industry. In this study, the main weather factors influencing mycotoxin accumulation were identified and two models to predict the risk of DON in oat grains in Norway were developed: (1) as a warning system for farmers to decide if and when to treat with fungicide, and (2) for authorities and industry to use at harvest to identify potential food safety problems. Oat grain samples from farmers’ fields were collected together with weather data (2004–2013). A mathematical model was developed and used to estimate phenology windows of growth stages in oats (tillering, flowering etc.). Weather summarisations were then calculated within these windows, and the Spearman rank correlation factor calculated between DON-contamination in oats at harvest and the weather summarisations for each phenological window. DON contamination was most clearly associated with the weather conditions around flowering and close to harvest. Warm, rainy and humid weather during and around flowering increased the risk of DON accumulation in oats, as did dry periods during germination/seedling growth and tillering. Prior to harvest, warm and humid weather conditions followed by cool and dry conditions were associated with a decreased risk of DON accumulation. A prediction model, including only pre-flowering weather conditions, adequately forecasted risk of DON contamination in oat, and can aid in decisions about fungicide treatments.     

Dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with desert ephemeral plants in Gurbantunggut Desert

Previous studies documented that most desert plants can be colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi,however,little is known about how the dynamics of AM fungi are related to ephemerals in desert ecosystems.The dynamics of AM fungi with desert ephemerals were examined to determine the effects of host plant life stages on the development of AM fungi.Mean colonization of ephemeral annual plants was 45% lower than that of ephemeral perennial plants.The colonizations were much higher in the early part of the growing season than in later parts,peaking at flowering times.The phenology of AM fungi in root systems varied among different ephemerals.The density of AM fungal spores increased with the development of ephemeral annual plants,reached its maximum at flowering times,and then plateaued about 20 days after the aboveground senescence.A significant positive correlation was found between AM fungi spore density and biomass of ephemeral annual plants.The life cycles of AM fungi associated with desert ephemerals were very short,being about 60-70 days.Soil temperature and water content had no direct influence on the development of AM fungal spores.We concluded that the development of AM fungi was in response to desert ephemeral phenology and life history strategy.     

陕西冬小麦物候期对气候特征响应研究

通过对陕西关中平原和渭北旱塬两个不同生态区7个站点1992-2011年气象数据和冬小麦生长发育数据分析发现,两地冬小麦返青及返青前各物候期均呈推迟趋势,返青后各物候期呈提前趋势,导致冬小麦整个生育期均缩短。影响关中地区冬小麦物候期变化的主要因素为温度。越冬期与11月和12月平均温度呈正相关;返青期在关中平原与11月和12月平均温度呈正相关,1月份平均温度呈负相关,在渭北旱塬仅与2月份平均温度呈负相关;两地抽穗期与3-4月各月平均温度呈负相关,成熟期与3-5月各月平均温度及生育期平均温度呈负相关。日照时数对冬小麦物候期变化影响较小,主要为3-5月份各月平均日照时数与成熟期呈负相关关系,渭北旱塬生育期总日照时数与成熟期之间也达显著负相关。降水对物候期影响最小,相关关系均不显著。     

A host-pathogen simulation model: powdery mildew of grapevine

An epidemiological model simulating the growth of a single grapevine stock coupled to the dispersal and disease dynamics of the airborne conidia of the powdery mildew pathogen Erysiphe necator was developed. The model input variables were either climatic (temperature, wind speed and direction) or related to the pathogen (location and onset of primary infection). The environmental input variables dictated plant growth and pathogen spread (latent period, infection, lesion growth, conidial spore production and release). Input parameters characterized the crop production system, the growth conditions and the epidemiological characteristics of the pathogen. Output described, at each time step, number, age and pattern of healthy and infected organs, infected and infectious leaf area and aerial density of spores released. Validation of the model was achieved by comparing model output with experimental data for epidemics initiated at different times of host growth. Epidemic behaviour for two contrasting years of crop development and 7 phenological stages at the time of primary infection (PI) was examined. For PI occurring at day 115 a vine with late budbreak (1998) showed 58% of primary leaves diseased at flowering compared with only 19% for a vine with early budbreak (2003). Depending on the phenological stage at PI (1–4 leaves), the proportion of diseased primary leaves decreased from 42% to 6% at flowering. Simulations suggested that differences resulted from the interplay between the timing of the first sporulation event, the phenological stage at the time of initial infection, and the age structure and spatial distribution of the leaf population.     

塔里木河下游胡杨物候特征观测

以塔里木河下游胡杨(Populus euphratica)为对象,对胡杨的开花期、展叶期、第一次展叶期、第二次展叶期、果熟期、叶黄期及落叶期等主要物候期进行观测。结果表明:胡杨各物候期中,开花期持续时间最短,3月29日至4月19日,果熟期持续时间最长,5月25日开始,10月13日结束。由于春尺蠖(Apocheima cinerarius)的危害,胡杨有"二次展叶"现象,第一次展叶期为4月4日至5月1日,第二次展叶期为5月13日至6月4日。胡杨叶黄期和落叶期相重叠,叶黄期从9月26日开始,10月28日结束,落叶期从10月11日开始,11月12日结束。胡杨长达4个多月的果熟期与河道洪水期吻合,这有利于种子的传播、萌发及幼苗扎根,促进天然胡杨林种群的更新及演替。     

Modelling the correlation between plant phenology and weed emergence for improving weed control

The efficiency of weed control practices could be improved if their timing is linked to weed emergence dynamics. A study was conducted in a pre‐alpine valley in northern Italy to evaluate whether the phenological phases of some perennial plants could serve as reliable indicators of time of weed emergence and thus be an alternative to bioclimatic models for supporting management decisions. Weed emergence was observed from 2003 to 2004 in five sites at different altitudes. The emergence dynamics of the main weeds were modelled with a Gompertz model. The phenology of 10 common shrubs and a tree was monitored by visual assessment. The flowering and fruit‐ripening phases of the most useful shrubs were modelled with a lognormal model. Correlation analysis between the two functions was used to study the correspondence between plant phenology and weed emergence. Flowering and fruit‐ripening phases of the shrubs were well described by the lognormal model. The correlation analysis between the lognormal model and Gompertz model showed correspondences between the phenological phases and emergence dynamics of the main weeds. The proposed method can be used to examine shrub phenology–weed emergence correlations and consequently for supporting weed management, under certain conditions.     

河南小麦叶枯类病害春季流行的时间动态规律研究

1997～1998年的研究结果表明:小麦叶枯病害在河南麦田春季的流行曲线基本呈S型曲线。始发期一般在3月20日～4月10日,指数增长期大约10～20d,该期流行速率最高;4月10～20日以后该病进入逻辑斯蒂增长期,可持续30～40d,流行速率比指数增长期稍低,没有明显的衰退期;影响小麦叶枯类病害始发期的气象因子为3月份的日照、降水量和气温,4月份的气温、日照、降水日数、相对湿度与发生程度关系密切。河南主栽小麦品种中没有对叶枯类病害免疫的品种,70%以上的主栽小麦品种为感叶枯病品种。     

Phenology ofMelanaspis inopinata on Pistachio Trees in Greece

Melanaspis inopinata Leonardi (Homoptera: Diaspididae) is a pest of the woody portion of the pistachio tree. Observations on the phenology of this scale species, which is viviparous, were carried out at Avion, Attica, in central Greece, during the years 1990-92.M. inopinata developed one annual generation on pistachio in that region. Females overwintered as not-yet-reproducing adults. Reproductive activity began in late April or the first half of May. The first adults of males appeared in late June or early July. Melanization of the body of immature females was first noticed in early Septenber; all females were melanized by early November. Ovulation was first noticed in mid or late March. An average of 79 ± 16 eggs/female was found in dissections of females at a late stage of ovulation prior to the onset of viviparous activity.     

Roles of bootstrap resampling,measure of central tendency,and method for calculating thermal units when developing phenology models for pest management

The successful development of phenology models from field studies depends on many factors, some of which are entirely under the control of pest managers. For example, one such factor is the choice of method for calculating thermal units. In this study, we have demonstrated that four methods for calculating thermal units provided for acceptable predictions of one phenological event of one insect species, while another method for calculating thermal units did not. The measure of central tendency (mean or median) that is used to estimate lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations is another factor that pest managers can control when developing phenology models from field studies. Here, we show that predictions that were made when using phenology models based on median lower developmental temperatures and median required thermal summations were superior to predictions that were made when using phenology models based on mean lower developmental temperatures and mean required thermal summations. The use of bootstrap vs. non-bootstrap estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations is yet another factor that pest managers can control when developing phenology models from field studies. In this study, we found that calculating and using bootstrap estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations in phenology models did not improve the predictions of one phenological event for one insect species. The implications of these and other findings are discussed.     

Forecasting Infections of the Leaf Curl Disease on Peaches Caused by Taphrina deformans

An Israeli model forecasting leaf curl disease on peaches caused by Taphrina deformans was validated in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, during a three-year period (1996–1998), in 13 cases (year × location × cultivar). When the peach trees are susceptible to infection, the model uses mathematical functions to calculate the risk of infection on the basis of weather conditions (daily rainfall greater than 10mm, and maximum air temperature greater than 5°C), and it forecasts periods of possible symptom appearance based on the length of incubation. Peach trees became susceptible to infection between the end of January and mid March, when the first leaf buds attained phenological stage C, i.e. appearance of leaf apex. The trees remained susceptible for at least 9 weeks: the last infection occurred in mid-May.Since most of the leaf curl onsets observed in the orchards fell within the range of model forecasts, the model proved to be accurate in signalling both the first seasonal infection and repeated infections during the primary inoculum season. Few errors occurred, caused either by conditions of rainfall and temperature lower than the thresholds fixed in the model, or by discrepancies between forecast and actual length of incubation. Infection occurred also at 3.1–3.5°C, and with 9.6mm rainfall. Thus, thresholds should not be accepted too rigorously, and perhaps temperature should not be considered as a limiting factor for infection under the conditions of the present work. The length of incubation showed high variability: it was 23 days long on average, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 20 to 27 days, and extreme values of 9 and 33 days.     

Weed flora in the Middle Valley of the Guadalquivir, Spain

A floristic study of the weeds in irrigated crops in the Guadalquivir River Valley (southern Spain) revealed a total of 284 species in the 267 fields surveyed, of which about 100 can be considered highly harmful. The families with the highest numbers of species were Compositae, Gramineae, Leguminosae, Cruciferae and Umbelliferae. Although 77·8% of the species were therophytes, geophytes were important in spring-sown crops. Most species were of Mediterranean origin, especially in autumn-sown crops; Cosmopolitan and Neotropical species were more important in the spring-sown crops. At the early and late crop growth stages 7% and 10%, respectively, of the fields had severe or very severe infestations. The relationships between the main weed species and crops were studied by cluster analysis, using the corrected frequency of each species in each crop as the reference parameter. This allowed classification of the species into subgroups and hierarchical groups according to their agro-ecological preferences. A close relationship was found between a given crop, its cycle and the usual soil management practices and the phenology of certain species, reflecting the influence of these factors in restricting the germination period. The analysis differentiated the typically winter, summer and intermediate weed floras.     

Reproductive traits,flowering phenology and seed bank dynamics in Retama raetam (Fabaceae) in a hyper-arid environment

This study explores the effects of year and location on reproductive traits and flowering phenology in Retama raetam populations growing in a hyper-arid environment. Besides year, season, and location, variations in the soil seed bank were also evaluated. Germination percentage of seeds buried in soil at two different depths for one year was determined. I hypothesized that changes in water availability between years and locations would lead to variations in reproductive traits, flowering phenology, and the seed bank of R. raetam. The study was conducted at a midstream and an upstream location during 2013 and 2014 in Wadi Rishrash in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Flower, fruit, and seed production were significantly higher in the midstream location than the upstream location and in 2014 than in 2013. Flowering onset and duration did not differ significantly between locations. Flowering occurred earlier in 2014 than in 2013 at both locations, and the flowering period was longer in 2014 than in 2013. The size of the seed bank was greater at the midstream than at the upstream location, and in summer than in spring season. Germination of seeds decreased with burial depth, but increased with burial duration. Larger individuals produced more seeds and flowered earlier than smaller plants. The size of plant was also positively correlated with flowering duration. The location and temporal variations in all these traits may be related to environmental differences between locations and differences in annual precipitation.     

Importance of different sources of inoculum and dispersal methods of conidia of Colletotrichum musae, the causal agent of banana anthracnose, for fruit contamination

Different populations of Colletotrichum were characterized and quantified on floral parts of banana plants from flowering until harvest. Isolates of Colletotrichum found to be pathogenic and attributed to the species C. musae (77% of isolates) were differentiated from other species by abundant sporulation, a short mycelium, and rapid growth. Colletotrichum musae was isolated from floral parts mainly during the month following bunch emergence. The respective involvement of different sources of inoculum (leaves, bunch bracts, floral parts) in the levels of fruit contamination was evaluated. When the floral parts and bunch bracts were removed at flowering, the severity of anthracnose disease was considerably reduced. The severity of the disease is strongly correlated with cumulative rainfall during the first 35 days after bunch emergence, and was considerably reduced when rainwater runoff over the bunches was limited by placing plastic sleeves over them. The disease was not observed on banana fruit grown under shelters, protected from rain. The results obtained from this study show clearly that contamination of fruit by conidia takes place largely due to the trickling of rainfall over the floral parts, which are the main source of inoculum. The application of these results for integrated control is discussed.     

Effects of climate change on phenology and primary productivity in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia

 Variations in temperature and precipitation affect local ecosystems. Considerable spatial and temporal heterogeneity exists in arid ecosystems such as desert steppes. We analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of climate and vegetation phenology in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia, China, using meteorological data from 11 stations (1961–2010) and phenology data from 6 ecological stations (2004–2012). We also estimated the gross primary production for the period of 1982–2009 and found that the annual mean temperature increased at a rate of 0.47ºC/decade during 1961–2010, with the last 10 years being consistently warmer than the 50-year mean. The most significant warming occurred in winters. Annual precipitation slightly decreased during the 50-year period, with summer precipitation experiencing the highest drop in the last 10 years, and spring precipitation, a rise. Spatially, annual precipitation increased significantly in the northeast and eastern central area of the region next to the typical steppe. From 2004 to 2012, vegetation green-up and senescence date advanced in the area, shortening the growing season. Consequently, the primary productivity of the desert steppe decreased along precipitation gradient from southeast to northwest. Temporally, productivity increased during the period of 1982–1999 and significantly decreased after 2000. Overall, the last decade witnessed the most dramatic climatic changes that were likely to negatively affect the desert steppe ecosystem. The decreased primary productivity, in particular, decreases ecosystem resilience and impairs the livelihood of local farmers and herdsmen.     

Differences in response of desert plants of different ecotypes to climate warming:a case study in Minqin, Northwest China

Globally climates are warming.How do desert plants of different ecotypes respond to the climate change?This paper studied the differing responses to climate warming shown by desert plants of different ecotypes through analyzing the phenology and meteorological data of 22 desert plant species growing in Minqin Desert Botanical Garden in Northwest China during the period 1974–2009.The results indicate:(1)The temperature in the study area has risen quickly since 1974,and plants’growing periods became longer.The spring phenology of mesophytes advanced,and the autumn phenology of xerophytes was delayed;(2)The starting dates of spring phenophase of mesophytes and xerophytes differed significantly and both showed an advancing trend;(3)The spring phenology of mesophytes advanced by more days than that of xerophytes,whereas the autumn phenology of mesophytes was delayed by less days than that of the xerophytes;and(4)Mesophytes are more sensitive than xerophytes to rising temperature in spring and falling temperature in autumn.These findings are of value in plant management and regional introduction of different species.     

Differences in flowering phenology and seed production of four morning glory (Ipomoea) species in Japan

The spread of morning glory (Ipomoea spp.) in soybean fields in Japan has severely decreased soybean yield. Yet, current control measures do not control the proliferation of Ipomoea spp. As little is known about the flowering period and seed production among the different invading Ipomoea spp., it is challenging to create targeted control measures based on ecological characteristics. This study aimed to reveal the characteristics of the flowering phenology and seed production of four morning glory species, namely, Ipomoea coccinea L. (red morning glory), Ipomoea lacunosa L. (pitted morning glory), Ipomoea hederacea L. Jacq. var. integriuscula A. Gray (entireleaf morning glory), and Ipomoea triloba L. (three-lobe morning glory). Between 2017 and 2019, the four selected study species were grown under similar conditions of soil quality, irrigation, and environmental influences and their flowering phenology and seed data were recorded. The flowering period ranged from 36 to 40 days, and the initial flowering of I. triloba was approximately 2 weeks later than the others. I. coccinea had the highest flowering number and seed production, followed by I. lacunosa, I. triloba, and I. hederacea var. integriuscula. The fruit setting rate of I. triloba decreased later in the reproductive stage but tended to increase as the daily mean temperature increased on each flowering day. Thus, we report that the flowering phenology and seed production differed greatly among the Ipomoea spp. These findings can provide crucial insights into designing targeted species-specific control measures against the spread of Ipomoea spp. in Japan.