The effect of the ambient conditions on the life cycle of a bulbous plant

Abstract

To evaluate how weather conditions affect the life cycle of a bulbous plant species, a methodology is proposed here using Crocus cambessedesii, a plant that is endemic to Mallorca and Menorca. Data from an experimental field study conducted from 2007 to 2013 in the south west of Mallorca is taken together with meteorological observations from Palma Airport, located about 10 km away from the site. The bias in the observations between the Airport and the field site is discussed, as well as the importance of performing meteorological measurements in situ to have a better knowledge of the local processes. It is found that flowering and fruiting periods start when the mean temperature is between the range of 16-20• C and 10-14 • C, respectively. In addition, a certain amount of soil water content is needed (it has been raining during the previous days). These results are in agreement with those obtained for Crocus sativus, extensively studied for economic interests. Finally, some recommendations are made to apply this methodology to plants in other locations or other species.

Estimation of cold pool areas and chilling hours through satellite-derived surface temperatures

“…Because phenological models use cold accumulation as a predictor of bud burst, it is important to estimate properly the CHs that a plant experiences in a certain region [Cesaraccio et al, 2004]. In middle latitudes, with the vegetation rest period in winter and the active growing period in spring and summer, temperature is the key parameter for understanding plant phenology (Chmielewski and Rötzer [2002]; Jiménez et al [2014]). However, there are no universal models that accurately predict the release of dormancy for a broad range of plant species and environmental conditions.…”