Search

There is limited information on the appropriate agronomic practices for castor in the humid tropics. This study evaluated the effects of organic fertilizer (OF) and sowing date (SD) on the agronomic performance of castor during late cropping season (June − Dec.) of 2021 and 2022 at the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Two factors: OF − control and organic fertilizer (main plot) and SD − eight sowing dates (SD1-SD8 i.e., from June 18 to August 5) at 7-day intervals (sub plot) were laid in a split-plot arrangement fitted into Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates. Data were collected on agronomic traits of castor. Organic fertilizer significantly (P < 0.05) expedited days to flowering and increased height to primary raceme in 2021. SD had significant (P < 0.05) effect on days of flowering, seed yield, and yield attributes of castor. Castor sown at SD1 and SD2 in 2022 produced high seed yield of 773.7 and 799.1 kg/ha higher by 498.8% and 503.0% than SD8 yield of 129.2 kg/ha. It is concluded that for optimum castor seed production, sowing should be done from June 18 to latest July 2 with or without organic fertilizer in the humid tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted an avian count from November 2017 to October 2019. This qualitative and quantitative study at the level of an artificial environment, in the case of the palm grove d’El Hadjed in El Ménea, provides an objective inventory of the birds' diversity. A total of 48 species have been identified by researchers, distributed among nine orders and 19 families. The order Passeriformes is the most dominant, with 11 families and 36 species, or 75% of the recorded species. As for Muscicapidae, the Sylviidae are the best represented, with 11 and 5 species, respectively. Depending on phenological status, there are17 species of passage visitors (35.42%), 18 breeding species, of which 13 are residents (27.1%), and 5 are migratory species (10.42%). 12 species (25%) represent the winter visitor birds. At the national level, executive Fiat Algerian law (N°12-235) protects 8 species, or 16.67%, while Ordinance (06-05) protects one other species (Peregrine Falcon). Two species have an international status of "near threatened" (Lanius senator), while one species is classified as "vulnerable" (Streptopelia turtur). Shannon index values fluctuate between 2.91 bits (2018) and 2.99 bits (2019), and evenness index (E) values fluctuate between 0.56 bits (2018) and 0.62 bits (2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, migratory phenology and movement of many bird species is shifting in response to anthropogenic climate and habitat changes. However, due to variation among species and a shortage of analyses, changes in waterfowl migration, particularly in the fall, are not well understood. Fall migration phenology and movement patterns dictate waterfowl hunting success and satisfaction, with cascading implications on economies and support for habitat management and securement. Using 60 years of band recovery data for waterfowl banded in the Canadian Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), we evaluated whether fall migration timing and/or distribution changed in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern Pintail (A. acuta), and Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) between 1960 and 2019. We found that in the Midcontinent Flyways, Mallards and Bluewinged Teal migrated faster in more recent time periods, whereas Northern Pintail began fall migration earlier. In the Pacific Flyway, Mallards began fall migration earlier. Both Mallards and Northern Pintails showed evidence of short-stopping in the Midcontinent Flyways. Indeed, the Mallard and Northern Pintail distribution of band recovery data shifted 180 and 226 km north, respectively, from 1960 to 2019. Conversely, Bluewinged Teal recovery distributions were consistent across years. Mallards and Northern Pintails also exhibited an increased proportion of band recoveries in the Pacific Flyway in recent decades. We provide clear evidence that the timing and routes of fall migration have shifted over the past 6 decades, but these phenological and spatial shifts differ among species. We suggest that using community-science data collected by hunters themselves to explain one of the group's major concerns (changes in duck abundance at traditional hunting grounds), within the environmental lens of climate change, may help lead to further engagement and two-way dialogue to support effective waterfowl management for these culturally and ecologically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L’effet de la pâture sur l’évolution de la masse herbacée et sa digestibilité au cours de l’année a été étudié à Dahra, dans le Sahel sénégalais. Dans cette zone d’élevage la strate herbacée, base de l’alimentation du bétail, a une croissance brève pendant la saison des pluies. L’étude a été conduite pendant la saison des pluies et la saison sèche sur deux années consécutives, de juillet 2018 à juin 2020. Les mesures de phytomasse et de qualité fourragère (digestibilité in vitro de la matière organique, DMO) ont démarré dix jours après la première pluie et ont été répétées avec une fréquence de dix jours en saison des pluies et trente en saison sèche. La dynamique des herbacées annuelles se fait en trois étapes : une première de faible croissance, une deuxième de croissance rapide et une troisième de sénescence. La quantité maximale de masse sur pied sous pâture était de 1 992 ± 755 kg MS.ha-1 en 2018 et de 1 801 ± 601 kg MS.ha-1 en 2019 alors que, dans la mise en défens, elle était de 2022 ± 375 kg MS.ha-1 en 2018 et de 2357 ± 664 kg MS.ha-1 en 2019. La DMO a fortement décru au cours de la saison de végétation : de 70 % en début de saison des pluies, elle était en moyenne de 52 % en pleine saison des pluies et 30 % en saison sèche. La matière organique du fourrage a été plus digestible sous pâture que sous mise en défens. La pâture n’a pas systématiquement diminué la masse sur pied disponible de façon significative, mais en revanche elle en a amélioré la digestibilité.

Timing of seasonal bird migrations is broadly determined by internal biological clocks, which are synchronized by photoperiod, but individuals often refine their migratory timing decisions in response to external factors. Using 11 years of satellite telemetry data, we show that Pacific Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) at higher latitudes initiated spring and molt migrations later and fall migration earlier than individuals at lower latitudes. We further show that individuals refined migratory timing in response to interannual variation in environmental conditions. Individual Barrow’s Goldeneye initiated spring migration earlier in years with warmer springs at their overwintering locations and concluded spring migration earlier in years with earlier annual snowmelt on their breeding grounds. Because individuals respond to conditions both where they initiate and where they conclude spring migration, our results suggest that Barrow’s Goldeneye update their migratory decisions en route. For all 3 migrations in their annual cycle, birds delayed initiating migration if they had been captured and tagged prior to that migration. Birds that initiated migration late for their latitude were less likely to include a stopover and completed that migration faster, partially compensating for delayed departures. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that Barrow’s Goldeneye uses a combination of endogenous cues and environmental cues in migratory decision making. Sensitivity to environmental cues suggests that Barrow’s Goldeneye may have behavioral plasticity that is adaptive when faced with ongoing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La durée de la saison de végétation est importante à considérer puisqu’elle va directement impacter l’absorption photosynthétique saisonnière qui va conditionner la croissance des arbres. Cette étude avait pour objectifs de proposer une échelle de notation visuelle pour les processus de débourrement et d’entrée en dormance chez l’aulne glutineux et de déterminer l’effet de l’association de l’aulne avec le peuplier hybride, entre eux et avec des cultures herbacées, sur la durée de la saison de végétation des espèces ligneuses, comparativement à leurs monocultures respectives. Bien que la durée de la saison de végétation n’était pas significativement différente entre les arbres en mélange et leurs monocultures respectives, les aulnes agroforestiers ont eu tendance à débourrer plus tard et à entrer en dormance plus tôt, tandis que le contraire a été observé pour les peupliers agroforestiers. Messages clés • Le mélange d’espèces n’a pas eu d’influence sur la phénologie du bourgeon de l’Aulne et du Peuplier. • Les Aulnes agroforestiers ont eu tendance à débourrer plus tard et à entrer en dormance plus tôt par rapport à leur monoculture. • Les Peupliers agroforestiers ont eu tendance à débourrer plus tôt et à entrer en dormance plus tard par rapport à leur monoculture.

Des sécheresses impactant fortement les forêts se sont déjà produites dans le passé en Europe (1911, à la fin des années 1940, 1976). Les plus récentes des étés 2003, 2018 et 2022, ont été marquées également par des vagues de chaleur sans précédent. L’augmentation prévue des épisodes de sécheresses extrêmes et des canicules constitue un défi majeur pour les forestiers œuvrant pour une gestion durable permettant de fournir des services de qualité. Cet article apporte des explications sur les effets combinés des fortes chaleurs et sécheresses sur la santé des arbres en liaison avec les changements phénologiques des plantes et des insectes. Enfin, les comportements différentiels de la réponse à des sécheresses des principales espèces européennes observés par approche dendrochronologique apporte des informations sur les espèces à privilégier dans le futur. Messages clés L’augmentation attendue de la fréquence et de l’intensité des sécheresses et chaleurs extrêmes va modifier l’état sanitaire des forêts. Le développement de ravageurs forestiers pourrait être plus rapide avec le réchauffement fragilisant davantage nos forêts. Une modification de la sylviculture pourrait grandement aider à la préservation de forêts en bonne santé.

Though polar ecologists consider sea ice primarily as a habitat for marine mammals, caribou use sea ice to complete their reproductive cycles, to access areas with preferred climatic and vegetation conditions, and to avoid predators seasonally and sporadically. Building on previous caribou research in Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven, Nunavut), we explored the connections between caribou and sea ice phenology in 5 community-identified caribou crossing areas around Qikiqtaq (King William Island). We defined freeze-up and breakup based on Uqsuqtuurmiut (people of Uqsuqtuuq) knowledge of caribou habitat requirements, to orient our analysis to the complex and multifaceted hazards that caribou can encounter while moving through their dynamic and unpredictable sea ice habitat. We investigated the reliability of caribou sea ice habitat surrounding Qikiqtaq, prioritizing key transitional periods with intensified caribou movement. We use regional ice charts produced by the Canadian Ice Service (CIS) and held workshops with Uqsuqtuurmiut to understand how sea ice phenology and caribou mobility have changed over time. The high spatial and temporal variability of sea ice phenology around Qikiqtaq facilitates caribou moving across sea ice should they need to respond to seasonal or unpredictable changes in ecological conditions or anthropogenic disturbance. Therefore, these localized sea ice conditions may increase caribou resiliency to changes or extreme events by providing alternative options for movement across the sea ice. We encourage others to consider the needs of wildlife sea ice users when assessing or providing ice information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La phénologie de merisier au Nord-Ouest de la Tunisie a été étudiée sur l’année 2013. Les événements phénologiques retenus sont la feuillaison, la floraison et la fructification. L’observation des différentes phases phénologiques de cette espèce (débourrement, floraison ou fructification) révèle une variation inter-site et intra-site. La précocité révèle pour les sites de Tabarka (Hamdia et Kroufa) peut s’expliquer par des différences de caractéristiques édaphiques et topographiques. Les analyses de variances montrent que la durée des différentes phases phénologiques du merisier est liée significativement avec la localisation géographique des sites. Les différences observées au sein d’un même site peuvent s’expliquer par la variabilité génétique des arbres. Ces résultats ouvrent des perspectives pour la valorisation et la conservation génétique de cette espèce commerciale au nord-ouest de la Tunisie.

The budburst phase is one of the most temperature-sensitive parameters. The study of the morpho-physiological parameters of urban vegetation will allow a better characterization of the behavior of the tree in the city. This study concerns five woody species in the city of Setif (northeast of Algeria): Rosa sp, Euonyms japonicus, Populus tremula, Morus alba and Ligustrum vulgare. The observations were based on phenological behavior such as bud burst, leaf expansion and senescence during the period of january to april 2022 at six sites. The results obtained showed that the phenophase of the beginning of the buds took place between the beginning of february and the beginning of march for all the sites. Statistical analysis showed that the rosebush and the Japanese spindle are the first species whose appearance of buds was observed. The phenological monitoring of the expansion of the leaves shows that the rosebush and the mulberry occupy the first group followed by the other species. These results illustrate the manifestations of climate change, in particular the rise in temperatures in january and february in the city of Setif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interannual consistency (an indicator of the strength of adjustments) in migration phenology of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in North America is most strongly associated with the breeding region, the season, and with late-season temperature on breeding and wintering grounds. Consistency was greatest in boreal spring migration and the breeding regions of eastern Canada. Using multi-year GPS tracks of 83 adults breeding in 3 spatially distant regions (Alaska, northeast Canada, and southeast Canada), we quantified the interannual consistency of migration phenology and wintering latitude within and among individuals tracked across multiple years and the repeatability (r) by breeding regions and seasons. By comparing regions and seasons, we found that consistency was highest (r > 0.85) for boreal spring migration in eastern Canada while Alaska had the lowest value (r < 0.15). Because seasonal consistency of migration phenology was only detected in eastern Canada, we conclude that seasonal features are not a primary constraint. While regional differences in consistency were not related to differences in migratory distances, they could be the result of genetic or habitat differences. We also found that temperatures warmer than the decadal average at the region of departure delayed the start of boreal spring migration by ~10 days and advanced boreal autumn migration by ~20 days. These results suggest that warmer temperatures would reduce residence time on breeding grounds, contrary to expectations and trends found in other studies. Wide variations in migratory strategies across a species distribution can add to the list of challenges for conservation but may give migrants the capacity to acclimate to environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France is the property of Societe Zoologique de France and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wild bird feeding is a popular and growing activity, with approximately half of households participating in nations including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. Supplemental feeding can increase survival and reproductive success of birds (which is often a goal of supplemental feeding efforts), but it raises concerns about phenological mismatch and possible increased risk of nest predation. Our objectives were to test whether access to supplemental food during the breeding season was correlated with (1) advanced egg-laying phenology, (2) increased clutch size, or (3) improved nest survival of 3 cavity-nesting species (Carolina Chickadee [Poecile carolinensis], Black-capped Chickadee [P. atricapillus], and Eastern Bluebird [Sialia sialis]) at a large spatial scale (the United States and Canada; spanning 22° latitude and 55° longitude). We examined data from 24,528 nest attempts submitted to NestWatch from 2014 to 2019. For Eastern Bluebirds, birds with access to supplemental insects initiated clutches 5.83 ± 0.89 (mean ± SE) days earlier than birds without access to food subsidies, whereas predicted nest survival was 5% greater for birds with access to supplemental insects (probability of nest success = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.77-0.81) than for birds without (0.74, 95% CI: 0.72-0.75). Clutch size of Eastern Bluebirds did not differ between birds with and without access to supplemental insects. For chickadees, supplemental feeding (of seeds, suet, insects, or fruit) was not correlated with phenology, clutch size, or nest survival. Our results suggest that supplemental feeding of insects can be an effective tool for increasing nest survival in Eastern Bluebirds and potentially other food-limited insectivores. However, the efficacy of supplemental feeding for improving reproductive success varies across taxa, likely related to diet. Despite widespread feeding of Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees, supplemental food had no discernable effect on timing of egg-laying, clutch size, or nest survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An avifaunestic count was carried out between November 2017 and October 2020. This qualitative and quantitative study at the level of an artificial environment, in the case of the green band Noumérate in Ghardaïa Nord, for an objective inventory of the birds' diversity. Indeed, 86 species have been identified, belonging to 17 orders and 33 families. The order Passeriformes is the most dominant with 15 families and 56 species, or 44.12% of the recorded species. As for Muscicapidae, the Alaudidae, are the best represented with respectively 13 and 07 species. Depending on phenological Status, 43 species Passage Visitor (50%), 25 breeding species, of which 18 are Resident (20.93%) and 7 are migratory species (8.14%). The Winter Visitor birds are represented by 17 species (19.77%) and finally, only one species of bird bears the unknown phenological status. It should be noted that at the national level, 22 species have been identified, or 25.58% are protected by executive Fiat Algerian law (N°12-235). On the other hand, internationally, two species have been found to have "Near threatened" status (Meadow Pipit and Dartford Warbler) and only one species has "Vulnerable" status (European Turtle Dove). The hybrid Sparrow is the most dominant among all the species counted, with 30.9% in 2018 and 29.9% in 2019. Shannon index values fluctuate between 3.65 bits (2018) and 3.32 bits (2019) and evenness index (E) values are relatively constant between 2018 and 2019, equal to 0.65. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Societe et Environnement is the property of Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France is the property of Societe Zoologique de France and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Climate change has advanced the onset of spring and, subsequently, avian nesting activity. Although this advance can have negative consequences such as phenological mismatch, species may be able to increase the annual number of young fledged. Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) can rear 3 broods to fledging, but in this paper we report 3 pairs that reared 4 broods to apparent fledging in 2016 and 2020 in northeastern Arkansas. Nesting attempts began as early as 18 March with the first laid egg and concluded as late as 18 September with the last fledging event; brood sizes ranged from 2 to 5 chicks. Nests were checked daily 15–18 d post-hatching, increasing confidence in our determination of successful fledging. Unlike a previous report of 4 broods reared by a male that mated with 2 females at once, the pairs at our site all remained together through all 4 attempts. These pairs all consisted of after-second-year birds and we discuss why we believe these nests were successful, as well as factors that allowed these pairs to attempt to rear an additional brood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecoscience (Ecoscience) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Some oil palm production zones have periods of low rainfall, eliciting to water stress and impacting yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the supplementary irrigation application during the dry season, on the water use and the transpiration of oil palm trees, and on morphological changes that occur during the different phenological stages. The monitored site was an oil palm plantation in Jalapa, Tabasco, Mexico (17° 38 N; 92° 56W; altitude 20 m). There, the plant density is 143 palms ha-1. Two areas of palm trees with ages of 6 and 11 years were located. The soil type was classified as Gleysol. A weather station was placed in a pasture adjacent (1 km) to the plantation. The variables, evaluated from April 1 to June 23, 2017, included the structural characteristics of the plantation, sap flow, transpiration, and the morphological changes at the different phenological stages, which were assessed based on the BBCH scale. The results showed that the water use per palm tree (102–140 kg day-1) and the transpiration (1.59–2.11mmday-1) were not significantly different among palm trees ages. The application of irrigation during the dry season maintained transpiration in palms of both ages and favoured inflorescence development and fruit formation by shortening the number of days it took the palm plants to reach fruit formation stage (stages 503-700), but increased the number of days required by the bunches to reach maturation (stages 709 to harvest). This study conducted during few months needs to be confirmed by longer term monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France is the property of Societe Zoologique de France and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

For most of the 20th century, Ophrys with a laterally in-rolled, "scolopaxoid", labellum occurring in the north-western Mediterranean basin, in France and the Iberian Peninsula, were united in a single species, Ophrys scolopax. In the 1990s it was shown that at least two species, described at the end of the 18th century, were widespread in the Iberian Peninsula, one with larger flowers, to which the type of O. scolopax Cavanilles belongs, the other with smaller flowers, to which that of O. picta Link belongs. The question of whether all French plants, or a large part of them, belong to O. scolopax s.s. rather than to one or more other species with even larger flowers remained open. The comparison of Cavanilles' type, collected in April 1791 in the region of Valencia, with plants flowering in April in the plains and low hills of Pyrénées-Orientales and Var, demonstrates the identity of the French meso-Mediterranean populations with the large flowered Iberian plant. A second group of plants referred to O. scolopax flowers in May and early June throughout the ecological territory of Aquitanian oak forests and seems to be restricted to it. A comparison of the macular pattern of meso-Mediterranean and Aquitanian plants by application of the novel method proposed by Ring (2019) indicates that they are very close but perhaps not identical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annales de la Société Entomologique de France: International Journal of Entomology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The South China Sea is the largest marginal sea in the world. The northern South China Sea has a complex hydrographic system affected by interplay waters of the Kuroshio Branch Current and the South China Sea waters. To understand the changes in the community structure of the planktonic calanoid copepod family Temoridae in relation to the interplay waters, we collected zooplankton samples in the northern South China Sea from surface waters (0 to 2 m) from November 2001 to January 2007 during 24 research cruises using a standard North Pacific zooplankton net (with a mesh size of 200 μ m, a length of 1.8 m, and a mouth diameter of 0.45 m). Among a total of 253 samples, 5 species belonging to 3 genera of Temoridae were identified: Eurytemora pacifica Sato, 1913, Temora discaudata Giesbrecht, 1889, Temora stylifera (Dana, 1849), Temora turbinata (Dana, 1849), and Temoropia mayumbaensis Scott T., 1894. The 3 most abundant species were: T. turbinata (relative abundance, RA: 53.28%; mean density ± standard deviation, MD: 29.33 ± 89.53 ind. m−3), T. stylifera (RA: 36.02%, MD: 19.83 ± 145.22 ind. m−3), and T. discaudata (RA: 7.70%, MD: 4.24 ± 11.82 ind. m−3). The 3 most frequently occurring species were: T. turbinata (occurrence ratio, OR: 52.17%), T. discaudata (OR: 35.18%), and T. stylifera (OR: 9.88%). A noteworthy discovery in our samples was E. pacifica , a marine and brackish water species, collected from 3 stations located near the Kuroshio Branch Current in April 2003. This is the only month when this species was recorded during the investigation period. Variations of dominant species of Temoridae show a clear pattern of seasonal succession. The total abundance was significantly higher in the third quarter (September-November, 116.98 ± 314.49 ind. m−3) than in the fourth quarter (December-February, 24.26 ± 47.72 ind. m−3) (p = 0.017 , one-way ANOVA). In general, the present results demonstrate that the assemblages of the Temoridae are very much structured by the water masses of the Kuroshio Current and the South China Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C'est devenu une évidence que le climat change et que cela peut affecter la santé humaine. En particulier, on s'attend à ce que le réchauffement climatique se répercute sur la pollinisation et augmente l'occurrence des allergies respiratoires. Cette étude a été réalisée sur 6 ou 7 sites français de surveillance aérobiologique, avec l'objectif de détecter d'éventuelles modifications survenues durant les 24 à 32 dernières années dans la chronologie, la durée et l'intensité des saisons polliniques de deux taxons très allergisants, le bouleau et les graminées. Les résultats les plus probants ont été obtenus pour Betula. D'une part, le début de la saison pollinique de cet arbre a connu jusqu'aux alentours de 2002 une avance de 0,02 à 0,69 jour/an, après quoi la tendance s'est inversée, au point que la pollinisation démarre maintenant aussi tard, voire plus tard qu'il y a trente ans ; l'explication la plus plausible est que des hivers plus doux retardent la levée de dormance et annulent l'avance de la phénologie printanière provoquée par des printemps plus chauds. D'autre part, tous les sites étudiés ont présenté une forte hausse de la quantité de pollen émise, positivement corrélée à la température de la période allant de juillet (année N −1) à juin de l'année N. Pour les Poaceæ , les résultats sont souvent contradictoires d'un endroit à l'autre. Ils ont néanmoins révélé une tendance presque partout décroissante pour les concentrations polliniques. En conclusion, l'accent est mis sur les divergences qui existent entre les effets déjà observés en France sur les saisons polliniques et le discours dominant sur la réponse de la pollinisation au changement climatique. There is now evidence that the climate is changing. This trend has the potential to affect human health. In particular, global warming is expected to alter pollination and increase the incidence of allergic airway diseases. The present study was conducted at 6 or 7 sampling sites in metropolitan France with the aim of detecting possible shifts over the last 24 to 32 years in the timing, duration, and intensity of the pollen seasons of two very allergenic taxa, birch and grasses. The most convincing results were obtained for Betula. On the one hand, the beginning of the birch pollen season advanced by 0.02 to 0.69 days/year until about 2002, after which this trend reversed, in such a way that the pollination period now starts as late as it did thirty years ago, if not later; the most likely explanation is that milder winters delay dormancy release and nullify the advance of spring phenology induced by warmer spring weather. On the other hand, all the sites studied showed major increases in the quantity of pollen released, which is positively correlated with the temperature of the twelve months from July (year N −1) to June (year N). Although the results for Poaceæ are often inconsistent from one monitoring station to another, they nevertheless revealed almost universal downward trends in airborne pollen concentrations, as confirmed by negative correlation coefficients with the annual temperature. In conclusion, the most salient finding concerns the wide discrepancy between the effects on the pollen seasons already observed in France and the mainstream narrative concerning pollen response to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'allergie IgE-dépendante aux pollens concerne un quart de la population. Elle se manifeste par des rhinites, conjonctivites, de l'asthme, des poussées de dermatite atopique et peut se compliquer d'allergies alimentaires aux fruits et légumes. La progression de cette allergie est en lien avec les modifications de l'environnement extérieur (pollution atmosphérique, changement climatique) et de l'exposition microbienne des individus (théorie hygiéniste). La veille phénologique mise en place dans le Jardin botanique Jean-Marie Pelt (Villers-lès-Nancy, France) en 2014 consiste en la surveillance de 24 plantes émettant des pollens allergisants. L'objectif principal est d'informer en temps réel les personnes allergiques et les professionnels de santé de la pollinisation des espèces allergisantes. La pollinisation des noisetiers a commencé dès fin décembre lors des hivers peu rigoureux de 2014 et 2015. Le début de la pollinisation de cette espèce peut varier jusqu'à 10 semaines selon l'exposition. Le vulpin des prés apparaît être un indicateur du début de la saison de pollinisation des graminées et la phléole des prés clôture la saison. La remontée de floraison des herbacées en automne est en lien avec la pratique de fauches tardives. La veille phénologique donne une information en temps réel et permet d'étudier l'influence du climat et des activités humaines sur la pollinisation des espèces à risque. La diffusion par voie numérique de ces informations permet de mettre en œuvre de façon concomitante des actions de prévention des symptômes allergiques. IgE-mediated allergy to pollen affects a quarter of the population. It is responsible for rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma and exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, and it may be complicated by food allergies to fruits and vegetables. The current rise in pollen allergy is related to changes in the outdoor environment (air pollution, climate warming) and microbial exposure (hygiene hypothesis). Phenological monitoring set up in the Jean-Marie Pelt botanical garden (Villers-lès-Nancy, France) in 2014 consists of monitoring 24 plants emitting pollen allergens. The main objective is to inform allergic persons and health professionals in real time of the pollination of allergenic species. Hazel pollination began in late December during the mild winters of 2014 and 2015. The start of pollination of this species can vary by up to 10 weeks depending on exposure. Meadow foxtail appears to be an indicator of the beginning of the grass pollination season, with timothy closing the season. The rise of flowering herbaceous plants in autumn is linked to the practice of late mowing. Phenological monitoring yields information in real time and allows investigation of the influence of climate and human activities on the pollination of species that entail risk. Through digital transmission of this information, preventive action against the relevant allergic symptoms can be initiated immediately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Réseau citoyen d'observateurs des plantes à pollen allergisant, Pollin'air a pour objectif de permettre aux personnes allergiques d'être prévenues de l'émission des pollens allergisants en temps réel et de manière géolocalisée. Il a été initié en juillet 2016 grâce au partenariat entre Air Lorraine (Atmo Grand Est depuis 2017), l'Observatoire régional de la santé et des affaires sociales en Lorraine (ORS Grand Est depuis 2018), le laboratoire d'hydrologie et climatologie médicales de la faculté de médecine de Nancy, le jardin botanique Jean-Marie Pelt (Villers-lès-Nancy), l'Agence régionale de santé de Lorraine (désormais ARS Grand Est), l'Union régionale des professionnels de santé pharmaciens de Lorraine (désormais URPS pharmaciens Grand Est) et la Métropole du Grand Nancy. Pollin'air est un réseau participatif qui met en relation des sentinelles bénévoles qui observent la pollinisation des espèces végétales à risque allergique et les personnes allergiques, via une plateforme numérique. Grâce aux informations fournies par les premiers, les secondes peuvent adapter leurs comportements de manière précoce et réduire les effets sanitaires liés aux périodes de pollinisation. Les professionnels de santé peuvent ajuster leurs stratégies diagnostiques et thérapeutiques. L'observation phénologique de 25 espèces allergisantes (floraison, pollinisation, fin de pollinisation) est réalisée par les sentinelles des pollens sur le territoire lorrain, les informations sont collectées, en temps réel et de manière géolocalisée, sur le site www.pollinair.fr sur une carte interactive. Les personnes allergiques peuvent recevoir des alertes personnalisées en fonction de leur allergie et de leur localisation géographique. Pollin'air permet d'acquérir des données phénologiques à grande échelle. Il apporte une information qualitative spécifique de l'espèce végétale et géolocalisée. D'importantes variations géographiques de pollinisation sont mises en évidence sur le territoire allant jusqu'à 1 mois pour l'armoise. L'analyse des dates de diffusion de l'information pollinique relevées par les 3 outils de surveillance utilisés à Nancy montre que veille phénologique réalisée au jardin botanique donne l'information la plus précoce 6 fois sur 14, le réseau Pollin'air dans 5 cas et le Réseau national de surveillance aérobiologique (RNSA) dans 3 cas Les enquêtes de satisfaction réalisées auprès des sentinelles et des personnes allergiques montrent l'acquisition de connaissances tant en botanique que sur les allergies par les participants, l'adhésion de 9 personnes allergiques sur 10 à la proposition d'adapter leur comportement et leur traitement à l'actualité pollinique. Ce réseau participatif a permis de créer une dynamique collective et intergénérationnelle autour de l'enjeu de santé publique que constitue l'allergie aux pollens, en fédérant professionnels de santé, botanistes, experts de l'air, collectivités et citoyens. Pollin'air is a citizen network of observers of plants bearing allergenic pollens. The aim is to enable people with allergies to receive real-time and location-based notifications in the event of release of allergenic pollens. It was initiated in July 2016 thanks to the partnership between Air Lorraine (which became Atmo Grand Est in 2017), the Regional Observatory of Health and Social Affairs in Lorraine (which became ORS Grand Est in 2018), the laboratory of medical hydrology and climatology at the Nancy Faculty of Medicine, the Jean-Marie Pelt Botanical Garden (Villers-lès-Nancy), the Lorraine Regional Health Agency (now ARS Grand Est), the Regional Union of Pharmacists of Lorraine Health Professionals (now URPS Pharmacists Grand Est), and the Metropolitan Area of Greater Nancy. Pollin'air is a participatory citizen network that connects volunteer sentinels, who observe the pollination of allergenic plant species, with allergic subjects via a digital platform. Using the information provided by the former, these subjects can rapidly adjust their behavior, thus reducing the health effects associated with pollination periods. Further, health professionals can adjust their diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The phenological observation of 25 allergenic species (flowering, pollination, end of pollination) is carried out by pollen sentinels in Lorraine, France. Real-time and geolocated information is collated on an interactive map on the www.pollinair.fr website. Allergic subjects can receive personalized alerts based on their allergy and their geographical location. Through Pollin'air it is possible to acquire extensive phenological data. It provides qualitative and geolocated information specific to different plant species. Important geographical variations in pollination are highlighted within the territory, over a period of up to 1 month for artemisia. Analysis of pollen information recorded by the 3 monitoring tools used in Nancy, France, shows that the phenological watch performed at the botanical garden provided the earliest information 6 times out of 14, compared with 5 times out of 14 for the Pollin'air network and 3 times out of 14 for the National Network of Aerobiological Surveillance (RNSA). The satisfaction surveys conducted with sentinels and allergic subjects attest to the fact that participants have acquired knowledge in terms of both botany and allergies, and that 9 out of 10 allergic subjects endorse the proposal to adapt their behavior and their treatment to new pollen developments. This participatory network has created collective and intergenerational dynamics around the public health issue of pollen allergy, bringing together health professionals, botanists, air experts, local authorities and citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France is the property of Societe Zoologique de France and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecoscience (Ecoscience) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper aims to quantify the difficulties in the transplantation and development of argan tree in the Algerian Western Sahara. A diagnosis of the regeneration by reforestation was established on two experimental stations: Tindouf and Adrar, during six consecutive years. The relation between the bioclimatic conditions and the rates of resumption, the phenology and the growth of Argania spinosa were analysed. The results showed the possibilities of introducing the species by seeding in both sites of plantations which belong to a dry and hyper dry Mediterranean continental and semi continental climate. The success rates vary between 26.4 and 33.8%, in Adrar and Tindouf respectively. Our results also showed the effect of watering on the growth of plants. Indeed, a regular regime of irrigation gave plants with an average height of 185 cm, in the station of Adrar, against 125 cm to Tindouf. The monthly description of phenological stages of the Argan tree represents a biennial cycle with delayed flowering of the floral buds during the hottest summer period of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanisms that cause large-scale synchrony in insect population dynamics might yield key insights for predicting potential outbreak occurrence. Here, we evaluated which environmental factors best explain synchronous population fluctuations in the spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) (SBW), a major defoliator of coniferous forests in North America. SBW population levels were assessed with pheromone traps during the 1986-2014 period across a 625 000 km2 territory located in the province of Québec (Canada). The populations were characterized by abundance fluctuations that were often synchronized across the whole study area. Interannual population fluctuations were correlated with host tree cone production (a source of food) and high May temperatures, suggesting that synchrony was influenced by food availability and phenological mismatch during shoot development. Cone production was itself correlated with low precipitation during the previous summer. This study indicates that bottom-up trophic factors can drive spatiotemporal synchrony in insect populations and contribute to explain important and sustained population increases during some years. We also suggest that several biological processes, all influenced by weather, are likely to interact to explain population synchrony during the different phases of the approximately 35 year SBW outbreak cycle, complicating the prediction of climate change effects on this insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding behaviour of Temperate Zone amphibians is influenced by environmental variables, but the initiation of calling (phenology) and influences on calling activity may vary with species and region. We investigated the influence of the timing of ice melt, water temperature, and photoperiod on the breeding phenology of the Northern Leopard Frog ( Lithobates pipiens (Schreber, 1782)) in southern Alberta, Canada, using automated recording units. We also examined the influence of wind speed, relative humidity, water temperature, and time of day on calling activity. The initiation of calling varied by 13 days at our three sites, suggesting that calling was influenced more by water temperature and timing of ice melt than photoperiod. Calling was first observed 8-11 days after ice melt at water temperatures of 7.5-8 °C at our sites. No calling was detected at water temperature <5 °C. We recorded nocturnal and diurnal calling at all sites; >50% of calling was diurnal, even on days with warm overnight temperatures. Calling activity was influenced by time of day, water temperature, wind, and relative humidity. Our results suggest that date of initiation of calling varies considerably among breeding ponds and that the time of day of peak calling varies with both site and water temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La phénologie de merisier au Nord-Ouest de la Tunisie a été étudiée sur l'année 2013. Les événements phénologiques retenus sont la feuillaison, la floraison et la fructification. L'observation des différentes phases phénologiques de cette espèce (débourrement, floraison ou fructification) révèle une variation inter-site et intra-site. La précocité révèle pour les sites de Tabarka (Hamdia et Kroufa) peut s'expliquer par des différences de caractéristiques édaphiques et topographiques. Les analyses de variances montrent que la durée des différentes phases phénologiques du merisier est liée significativement avec la localisation géographique des sites. Les différences observées au sein d'un même site peuvent s'expliquer par la variabilité génétique des arbres. Ces résultats ouvrent des perspectives pour la valorisation et la conservation génétique de cette espèce commerciale au nord-ouest de la Tunisie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global changes that modify the distribution range of species, there is an urgent need to identify climate variables affecting species dispersal. We investigated patterns of aerial propagule release (sexual and asexual) of boreal bryophytes in response to weather. We present the first community-level study that examines the impact of weather on the phenology of bryophytes, and we divided it into phases. Bryophyte propagule rain was trapped in 2013 (summer and fall) and 2014 (spring and fall), and climatic variables were collated from the years 2012 to 2014. The phases of the phenology and the weather variables one season to two years preceding propagule release, which may influence the dispersal of propagules, were identified. Propagule release varies with weather conditions at the time of dispersal (direct effects), but is also associated with weather during the winter and summer one year preceding dispersal (indirect effects), which presumably influences survival, growth, and fertilization of the mother plant as well as propagule and sporophyte development. We suggest that propagule release is related to weather conditions occurring from one to several previous seasons, particularly humidity, temperature, and length (duration) of winter. Dividing the phenology into phases, we present an innovative method that should provide new insights into bryophyte dispersal dynamics in response to climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Climate change is expected to increase winter temperatures in boreal climates. White spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) is vulnerable to spring frost damage due to its habit of early budbreak, which may be exacerbated or lessened with increasingly warm winters at its southern range edge. We tested the effects of episodic warming during the quiescent stage on budbreak time and growth of seven seed sources grown in a common garden setting in Minnesota, USA. Treatment plots were warmed with infrared lamps for 4 days each in February, March, or February and March to simulate a midwinter thaw. Control plots for each treatment and an overall control were included for comparison. Trees warmed in February experienced a slight delay in spring budbreak, but differences in budbreak time were generally not significant. Terminal growth was significantly and negatively correlated with time of budbreak but not with time to growth cessation. Our results suggest that white spruce is relatively resilient to the effects of intermittent warming but that warming early in the season may delay budbreak time, which is expected to reduce terminal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fruits is the property of International Society for Horticultural Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spring ephemerals take advantage of the high light conditions in spring to accumulate carbon reserves through photosynthesis before tree leaves unfold. Recent work has reported delayed leaf senescence under constant light availability in some spring ephemerals, such as wild leek ( Allium tricoccum). This paper aims to establish whether tree canopy composition and phenology can influence the growth of spring ephemerals through changes in their phenology. Wild leek bulbs were planted in 31 plots in southern Quebec, Canada, under canopies varying in composition and densities. Light availability and tree phenology were measured, along with other environmental conditions, and their effect on the growth of wild leeks was assessed with a redundancy analysis. Higher light availability resulted in better growth of wild leeks. The plants postponed their senescence under trees with late bud-burst, and thus better bulb growth and seed production were achieved. The tree litter and temperature and moisture levels of the soil also influenced the growth and survival of wild leeks. Thus, tree leaf phenology appears to have a strong impact on the growth of spring ephemerals by modulating the length of their growing season and their photosynthetic capacity. This underlines the importance of considering the variation of light availability throughout the growing season in the study of spring ephemerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunga libis a été à tort signalée du Chili par Smit (1968). Il s’agit en fait d’une espèce nouvelle, relativement peu rare, que nous décrivons ici. Non seulement les individus libres sont connus dans les deux sexes, mais également les femelles enkystées ou néosomiques. Des données sont apportées sur divers aspects de sa biologie. Nous pensons que ces apports seront utilisables pour affiner nos connaissances sur les autres Tunga, en particulier la capture des mâles, toujours rares, voire inconnus.

Dwarf mistletoes (DM), genus Arceuthobium, are dioecious parasitic flowering plants having prolonged life cycles lasting six years, culminating with explosive discharge of the single seed from the fruit. Arceuthobium americanum Nutt. ex Engelm., the lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe, infects lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta subsp. latifolia (Engelm.) Critchfield) in western North America, compromising the forest economy. Highly reduced flowers appear no later than two years following shoot development, with female flowers appearing and persisting for over two years. Development of the pistillate plant, including initiation of floral growth, has not been fully explored. Here, we used environmental scanning electron microscopy to demark phenological waypoints throughout the pistillate plant's development. As successive crops of female flowers emerged every year, up to three generations of flowers/fruit could be found on a single shoot in late summer; we used these three generations to delineate specific developmental stages. Vegetative shoots could initiate growth at any time within the growing season, could assume a terminal position, could also adopt sympodial branching, but were never whorled or adventitious. Floral branches, however, could initiate adventitiously from older nodes in a whorled pattern, and could house flowers/fruits of any generation. Vegetative and floral units were structurally homogeneous, suggesting shared developmental pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Botany is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spiders are known to commonly use aerial dispersal, so-called ballooning, especially at juvenile stages. They produce a silk thread that allows them to rise up in the air to disperse, which serves as inbreeding avoidance or to find an optimal over-winter habitat. Studies of phenology, species and meteorological factors associated with aerial dispersal have been limited to laboratory settings, with few data obtained under natural settings and no studies to date executed in France. To understand aerial dispersal, we conducted daily sampling between 2000 and 2002 at a height of 12 m. For adults, high proportions of “ballooners” were observed during four seasonal peaks, with dispersal most prevalent during summer, while for juveniles dispersal was protracted across summer and fall. Linyphiidae is the most abundant family among the 10,879 individuals caught. We show a significant and negative influence of high wind speeds on ballooning, an effect that increased even under low temperatures (< 19 °C). At wind speeds greater than 4 m·s −1 dispersal becomes difficult, and is almost impossible beyond 5.5 m·s −1 . Ballooning ability is reported for the first time for several species. This study increases our knowledge on aerial dispersal in spiders in an agricultural context. Such behaviour can be seen as a survival strategy to escape from a disturbed and unstable landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a novel scoring system to assess spring phenology in a northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) clonal seed orchard. The system was used to score from 304 to 364 ramets for three reproductive seasons and to place clones into early, intermediate, and late phenology classes. Although the absolute number of clones in each phenological class changed from year to year, the overall order of clonal flowering was highly stable ( rs = 0.67, p < 0.001). Early-flowering clones flowered significantly longer than later flowering clones in all 3 years. Dichogamy was present in the orchard, with male flowers of a clone emerging from 1.4 to 3.0 d sooner than its female flowers. Mean dichogamy values for individual clones ranged from 0.0 to 4.9 (± 1.3) d. Year strongly influenced a clone's dichogamy value ( F = 6.0, p = 0.004), whereas genotype had no influence. The mean overall phenological synchronicity for the 3 years of observations was 0.30 ± 0.01 or about 30% overlap between the time when females were receptive and males were shedding pollen. This study represents the first effort to quantify phenology in an artificial population of northern red oak, and it provides a snapshot of the current relationship between temperature, phenology, and floral synchronization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France is the property of Societe Zoologique de France and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dans le parc de Hwange au Zimbabwe, les grands troupeaux d'herbivores, comme les éléphants, zèbres ou buffles, sont concentrés sur certaines zones. Ces zones subissent donc une forte pression animale. Nous cherchons à étudier l'évolution de la végétation sur ces zones, et plus généralement sur l'ensemble du parc, pour ensuite étudier les liens entre les pratiques spatiales des troupeaux d'animaux et l'évolution de la végétation. Dans ce papier, nous proposons une démarche pour identifier les évolutions de la couverture végétale, mesurée par le biais des pixels des images satellites MODIS, disponibles à une fréquence mensuelle. L'ensemble de ces images constitue des séries temporelles d'images. Notre démarche permet d'estimer l'importance et le sens de l'évolution de la couverture végétale entre 2003 et 2010 puis d'identifier les lieux d'évolutions. Chaque image permet d'obtenir des valeurs d'indice NDVI par pixel de 250 m, qui décrivent la biomasse produite. Puis grâce aux séries temporelles de ces images, une analyse évolutive des valeurs NDVI est effectuée. Dans une première partie, nous établissons des profils types de phénologie des végétaux, qui décrivent l'évolution de la biomasse produite par les végétaux au cours de l'année. Comme la phénologie est liée à la pluviométrie, les profils types d'évolution annuelle de la biomasse sont définis pour une année sèche et pour une année humide. Dans une seconde partie, nous nous concentrons sur des évolutions sur une dizaine d'années. Grâce à ces profils types, nous identifions les pixels présentant une faible couverture végétale annuelle en utilisant des seuils d'anormalité statistique. Sur plusieurs années, nous pouvons en dégager des pixels, et donc des lieux du parc, où la couverture végétale a évolué, que ce soit en croissance ou en dégradation.