Both in meteorology and biology it is studied phenology of organisms. This is nothing more than the observation of the evolution of organisms in their life cycle. That is, the variation of its characteristics and life cycle depending on the environmental characteristics that exist at that time. Both the climate and the soil and biotic aspects have to do with the phenology of organisms. Climate change is seriously modifying the phenology of many living things, making it less successful for survival.
In this article we are going to analyze in depth the characteristics of the phenology of living beings and how climate change is affecting their life cycle. Do you want to know how animals and plants live? Just keep reading
Objective of phenology
Phenology study the dates by which the different phases of plant development begin. In this way, they are recorded in chronological order and observations are made to analyze interactions with other living beings. For example, in the case of butterfly larvae, the time when they become larvae is close to the time when the chicks of some species of birds need their food to grow. Well, that time is essential that it occurs at the same time so that the chicks can grow. If the phenology of the larvae is modified, the chicks will have no food.
Observations are made throughout the year and recorded to ensure a reliable record of the life cycle of the organisms studied. Quantitative data related to plant development are also studied. This refers to comparing the plant's growth in size, weight, volume, photosynthetic efficiency, and chemical composition.
Once all the data has been obtained, you can know the behavior of many organisms depending on the time of year we are in. In addition, it is essential to understand that the climate change influences those behaviors.
Problems of birds
It's important to understand phenology to create, for example, nesting sites for birds and ensure their reproductive success. Many bird species are in danger of extinction due to human urban expansion.
Migratory birds have serious trouble making their seasonal trips to other areas with more pleasant temperatures. This is because human impacts mean birds don't have safe places to rest and nest after their long journey. The chicks require the necessary care and food that their parents must provide. However, there is an ecological balance that is being damaged by humans. This damage is noticeable, as in recent years it has been observed that 30% fewer migratory birds arrive in Spain due to changes in its phenology.
By affecting a specific species, all the species on which they depended in a certain way are affected. If a plant species that a rabbit feeds on dies in an area, rabbit populations will fall, and thus the predatory species that feed on rabbits. This is known as a food chain.
Therefore, the phenology of birds is carefully studied. That is to say, their cycles of reproduction, nesting, courtship, migration, etc., which relates to issues such as . As we will see later, climate change is seriously affecting the balance of these species and the success of their survival.
Crop phenology and phenological observations
In cultivation, phenology is also analyzed. It serves to improve crop yield, as it is known the best time to fertilize, water more or less, or prune so that it can grow and develop perfectly. In addition, it is necessary to prevent pests and diseases. There are times of the year when insect pests are most active and reproduce more quickly. Knowing this, prevention techniques can be started when the time of most activity for insects approaches.
The same thing happens with diseases. In winter, given the more frequent adverse conditions and rainfall, there is more humidity. Excess humidity normally leads to crop diseases. With changes in temperature, it can be observed that Clean air could worsen the consequences of global warming in the agriculture.
To improve crop yields, a basic understanding of meteorology is essential. Know about prevailing winds, types of clouds y the temperatures, etc. It can help enormously in the care of crops.
Not only in agriculture, but also in its derived industries it is important to have reliable phenological data. For example, the average flowering, fruiting, and ripening dates of many planted crops must be known. This data is essential for proper agricultural and industrial planning.
If the influence of environmental conditions on each stage of crop development is also known, it is possible to predict the advancement or delay in their development. Furthermore, it is crucial for the wine industry to understand the different stages of crops and their phenology to optimize production.
The phenological observations that are carried out for a long time, allow to draw conclusions in the field of scientific research. Also, it is very useful in agriculture and industry. It greatly favors the knowledge of the probable dates of the different phases of development, the duration of the different sub-periods, the deadlines and the frequency of occurrence of biological phenomena.
Vine phenology
We are going to name the phases of grapevine phenology to give an example of its usefulness.
- Winter bud
- Weeping vine
- Swollen yolk
- Green tips
- The first leaves appear (incipient leaves)
- Leaf extension
- First bunches
- Racemes further apart (they are inflorescences)
- Flower buds (clusters fully developed)
- Fall of withered stamens (it is called curdling)
- Cluster closure (increase in fruit size)
- Start of veraison (loss of chlorophyll)
- Ripening
- Leaf fall
In each of the stages of the vine you can know the operation and development of its parts. It is important to know them in order to avoid certain pests and diseases and optimize their fertilization and irrigation. Each season requires different care, and therefore, they must be well cared for, since the climate change can alter its growth.
With this information you can learn more about the phenology of organisms.
