Flowering phenology of selected wind pollinated allergenic deciduous tree species

Magdalena Kluza-Wieloch,Joanna Szewczak

doi:10.5586/aa.2006.032

Abstract

Systematic phenological observations have been carried out in the Dendrological Garden of August Cieszkowski Agricultural University, Park Sołacki, Lasek Golęciński, Przybyszewskiego Street, for two years (2003, 2004). The selected species of deciduous trees, as Betula pendula, Corylus avellana, Platanus x hispanica. There was interdependence between the course of flowering process and weather conditions. Long and frosty winter at the turn of 2002/2003 and subzero mean temperatures in the first quarter of 2003 delayed vegetation. Rapid coming of early spring in the year 2004 accelerate the development of generative organs. Each year spring ground frost during flowering did not inhibit this process. All the investigated tree species are anemophilous and produce large amounts of allergenic pollen grain. They cause allergic reactions throughout the whole period of pollen discharge. Male inflorescences in Corylus avellana, blooming very early, are one of the first plants causing allergic reactions. Betula pendula is the next to bloom, followed by Platanus x hispanica. Observations of phenological phases may provide useful information forecasting the beginning of the period of increased pollen concentration in air.

Highlights

The term phenology was introduced to science around mid-1850s by a Belgian botanist from Liège Carl Morren
The aim of this study was to follow flowering in selected wind pollinated tree species, producing large amounts of allergenic pollen grain
Observations were conducted in the North-Western part of the city of Poznañ, covering the area of the Dendrological Garden, the So3acki Park, the Golêciñski Wood and individuals growing in Przybyszewski Street

Summary

Introduction

The term phenology was introduced to science around mid-1850s by a Belgian botanist from Liège Carl Morren. Already 100 years earlier Carl Linnaeus began systematic studies in that field, gave principles of phenology and developed its research methods (Dziuba 3 towski et al, 1931). A fervent promoter of long-term phenological studies in Poland was £ astowski (1948, 1951), who Magdalena Kluza Wieloch, Joanna Szewczak devoted several separate studies to methodological issues in that field. Considerable services for the development of phenological studies in Poland are credited to Szafer (1922, 1959), who emphasized their importance for plant geography and ecology. The aim of this study was to follow flowering in selected wind pollinated tree species, producing large amounts of allergenic pollen grain

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion