The use of the pheno-climatic model for forecasting the pollination of some arboreal taxa

Air temperature is one of the most frequent parameters for the application of pheno-climatic models which can give information for the forecasting of the beginning of pollination of various species. For the present study 12 years of aerobiological monitoring data concerning the pollination of hazel, alder, elm, poplar, and willow have been employed to forecast the beginning of their pollination assuming that the beginning of pollination of one species corresponds to a specific moment of phenological development for another species with later pollination. The difference expressed in days between the pollination of two winter taxa with successive flowering is very variable. If this interval is expressed in terms of heat (summation of mean daily temperature above a certain threshold) the differences are smaller. The delay between the pollination of alder and elm varies between 3 and 21 days depending on the climatic trend, but during this period elm on average accumulates 26 degree-days (base temperature 4°C) with a lesser variability. In this way we can begin to calculate the heat requirement for elm from the beginning of alder flowering. This application can be used for other couples obtaining statistical values which are more significant than those obtained with the phenological model, with the exception of willow. The results indicate that for the majority of the species with winter flowering there is a linear relation between the flowering dates and air temperature.     

The relationships between the surface arboreal pollen and the plants of the vegetation in China

This paper attempts to test the relationships between the surface arboreal pollen and the plants across the entire vegetation of China. Twelve genera from major arboreal plants are selected from 680 pollen taxa in a total of 803 surface pollen assemblages for this excise. The pollen data are quantitatively compared with the gridded vegetation map on spatial similarity, direction and distance of pollen dispersal, and pollen accuracy for indicating the plant distribution density.The results show that the distributions of the pollen taxa can reflect the major patterns of the plants. Abies, Larix, Picea, Pinus, Quercus and Betula exhibit high spatial similarities between pollen and source plants. The accuracy for Tsuga, Platycarya, Fagus and Cyclobalanopsis is relatively low, probably due to the low pollen productivities and the absence of samples from southern China. In the disagreement part of the pollen-plant accuracy percentage, the pollen taxa Larix, Platycarya, Fagus and Cyclobalanopsis have high proportions in underestimating plants, likely a “convergent-type” in the pollen deposition; while pollen Tsuga, Quercus, Pinus, Betula and Ulmus have high proportions in overestimating plants, likely a “divergent-type” in the pollen dispersal.Pollen dispersal estimates suggest that southward transportation of the 12 pollen taxa is dominant, and the transport distance can be up to ca. 1000 km. This is mainly caused by several months of persistent north winds from the winter monsoon, particularly in spring seasons in eastern China. The second highest pollen dispersal direction is eastward, which occurs mainly in the boreal or sub-boreal plants of Larix, Abies, Picea, Betula and Acer and is likely influenced by the Westerlies in the mid-latitudes of China. Summer-green and evergreen Platycarya, Fagus and Cyclobalanopsis are mainly dispersed to the north, reflecting the influence of the Asian summer monsoon in eastern and southern China. Results of spatial differentiation analysis using accuracy weighting suggest that the low percentage portion (1-10%) in pollen of Abies, Picea, Betula and Quercus and high percentage portion (>40%) in pollen Pinus are acceptable for the plant representatives.These results, based upon the analyses of surface pollen and modern vegetation types of China, can provide important information for testing the various methods for reconstructing and modelling the environmental or climatic parameters during the recent geological past from palaeovegetation data.     

Absence of wing polymorphism in the arboreal, phytophagous species of some taxa of temperate Hemiptera: an hypothesis

ABSTRACT.

• 1 Most arboreal Cicadellidae (Homoptera) and the arboreal, phytophagous Heteroptera are macropterous and capable of flight.
• 2 The low incidence of flightless morphs in the above insects is compared with its frequency in the species living on low vegetation.
• 3 It is suggested that in spite of the permanence of arboreal habitats, the almost complete absence of flightless morphs in these groups of the temperate Hemiptera is related to the architectural complexity of trees.

     

A comparative study of different temperature accumulation methods for predicting the start of the Quercus pollen season in Cordoba (South West Spain)

The aim of the present paper is to study the influence of air temperature on the start of Quercus pollination in Córdoba (Andalusia, Spain). Sixteen years of pollen counts were used. The start date of the pollen season in this period varied between 26^th February and 7^th April. Chilling requirements and heat accumulation were taken into account although no significant correlation between chilling hours and the start date was observed. Five different predictive methods based on heat accumulation were compared in this paper: 1) Number of days over a threshold; 2) Heat Units (accumulated daily mean temperature after deducting a base temperature); 3) Growing Degrees Days (Snyder 1988), as a measure of physiological growing time; 4) Accumulated maximum temperatures; and 5) Mean maximum temperature. Results indicated that the optimum base temperature for heat accumulation was 11 C^o. This threshold was used in the first three methods mentioned above. Good statistical results were obtained with the five methods, yielding high levels of explanation (p～99%). Nevertheless, the most accurate method appeared to be the Growing Degree Days (GDD^o) method, which indicated that a mean of 127.3 GDD^o must be accumulated from the end of the chilling period up to the beginning of the Quercus pollen season in Córdoba (South West Spain). Results were tested for predicting start dates in 1999 and 2000. The predicted dates were only one day after the actual dates.     

Study onPlatanus hispanica Miller pollen content in the air of Seville, southern Spain

The work was carried out using a Cour trap that sampled the air of the city for 8 consecutive years (1987–1994). The pollen ofPlatanus hispanica is the fourth most abundant in the air of Seville (a mean of 11.05% of the total pollen collected). The variation throughout the years in the sum of weekly concentrations ofPlatanus hispanica pollen presents a certain biennial rhythm, in which years of high and low collection of pollen alternate. The starting day of the main pollination period (MPP) is negatively related with the mean of the mean temperatures for February (r=0.73,r ²=0.53,P=0.0398) and is earlier (at the beginning of March) when the mean temperature for February is high, and vice versa. The pattern of pollen variation inPlatanus hispanica remains constant through the years—pollen appears abruptly in high weekly concentrations (> 150 grains/m³) in March (sporadically at the beginning of April), with a week of maximum pollen emission (WMPE) in which more than 50% of the annual pollen is collected (in 6 of the 8 years), and a main pollination period (MPP) of 2 or 3 weeks (except in 1989 when it was 5 weeks). In every year (except 1989), weekly mean temperatures increased during the MPP, the duration of which depends on mean temperature and mean rainfall: mean temperatures > 16°C and absence of rainfall shorten the MPP, while lower temperatures and presence of rainfall lengthen it. The meteorological conditions most often found during the WMPE are mean temperatures > 15°C and rainfall absent or almost so.     

The emission of mugwort pollen (Artemisia vulgaris L.) and its flight in the air

Summary Mugwort pollen flight and pollen emission are characterized by a distinct biological rhythm with emission in the early morning hours (6:00–11:00 a.m. CEST). Pollen traps at roof level monitor the daily and yearly variation of mugwort pollen flight later and in lower quantities than those installed at ground level because of the different daily variation of convection at various air levels. The daily variation of mugwort pollen flight can be described by mathematical functions. Because of these significant differences between the catch at different levels, the supposed high allergic potential of mugwort has to be discussed.     

Annual pollen spectrum in the air of Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

This aeropalynological study documented the pollen of 13 taxa with the highest concentration in the air of Palma de Mallorca during the years 2004–2010, using a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap. The taxa were Cupressaceae, Olea europaea, Platanus hispanica, Pinus spp., Parietaria judaica, Urtica membranacea, Quercus ilex, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Plantago spp., Castanea sativa, Pistacia lentiscus and Betula spp. These taxa accounted for 91.85 % of the total annual pollen recorded during the period. The mean annual pollen index was 20,027. The highest pollen counts occurred in February–June, representing 88.74 % of the annual total collected. Every year, there was a substantial increase in the concentration and types of pollen from March to May, followed by a decrease from July to January. The maximum annual total pollen count was recorded in 2005 with 25,870 and the minimum in 2009 with 14,726. The mean daily average pollen concentration count showed a declining trend over the study period. With respect to seasonal phases analysed, the later phase of the pollen season is more variable than the beginning. To observe the overall dynamics of the different pollen types better, a pollen calendar was established for Palma de Mallorca. The pollen calendar had typical Mediterranean features and is a useful tool for allergological and botanical awareness.     

Relationship between leaf temperature, compatible solutes and antitranspirant treatment in some desert plants

Three desert perennials from the Wahiba Sands, Oman were studied for their ability to withstrand high air temperatures combined with low water availability. Plants were also sprayed with antitranspirant to reduced water loss. This limited the potential for evaporative leaf cooling and resulted in high leaf temperatures in Prosopis cineraria (Druce) and Zygophyllum qatarense (Hadidi). Diurnal measurements were made of leaf and air temperature and of of photosynthesis and transpiration. Antitranspirants did not significantly reduce transpiration in Heliotropium kotschyi (Guerke), which contained high concentrations of the quaternary compound betaine. Transpiration continued through the hottest periods of the day and appeared to be essential for leaf cooling. All species appeared to have a threshold leaf temperature above which photosynthesis was severely impaired. Samples were taken for analysis of amino acids, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and low molecular weight carbohydrates in conjunction photosynthesis and transpiration in order to examine any possible protective functions. In Prosopis cineraria the background concentration of the cyclitol, pinitol was high but there was no increase in response to the antitranspirant induced increase in leaf temperatures. Proline concentration increased in leaves of Zygophyllum qatarense throughout the day but this did not appear to be related to leaf temperature.     

The role of temperature in the onset of the Olea europaea L. pollen season in southwestern Spain

Temperature is one of the main factors affecting the flowering of Mediterranean trees. In the case of Olea europaea L., a low-temperature period prior to bud development is essential to interrupt dormancy. After that, and once a base temperature is reached, the plant accumulates heat until flowering starts. Different methods of obtaining the best-forecast model for the onset date of the O. europaea pollen season, using temperature as the predictive parameter, are proposed in this paper. An 18-year pollen and climatic data series (1982–1999) from Cordoba (Spain) was used to perform the study. First a multiple-regression analysis using 15-day average temperatures from the period prior to flowering time was tested. Second, three heat-summation methods were used, determining the the quantities heat units (HU): accumulated daily mean temperature after deducting a threshold, growing degree-days (GDD): proposed by Snyder [J Agric Meteorol 35:353–358 (1985)] as a measure of physiological time, and accumulated maximum temperature. In the first two, the optimum base temperature selected for heat accumulation was 12.5°C. The multiple-regression equation for 1999 gives a 7-day delay from the observed date. The most accurate results were obtained with the GDD method, with a difference of only 4.7 days between predicted and observed dates. The average heat accumulation expressed as GDD was 209.9°C days. The HU method also gives good results, with no significant statistical differences between predictions and observations. Received: 18 April 2000 / Revised: 14 September 2000 / Accepted: 19 September 2000     

Influence of precipitation and temperature on airborne pollen concentration in Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

This paper presents data of airborne pollen concentration of Pinus , Platanus , Quercus , Betula , Poaceae and Castanea , the most abundant pollen types, during the last eight years, in Santiago de Compostela (NW Iberian Peninsula). We determined their respective principal pollen release periods and analysed statistically the influence of the main meteorological parameters on their pollen concentration, obtaining a negative correlation with precipitation and a positive correlation with temperature, in the majority of the cases, during these years. A detailed study of accumulated pollen values, in relation to accumulated average temperatures and the precipitation distribution, enabled us to establish a relationship between these parameters and the principal pollination period of each of these taxa.     

Relationship between polyploidy and pollen self-incompatibility phenotype in Petunia hybrida Vilm

Self-incompatibility in Solanaceae is controlled by a single multiallelic locus, the S-locus. The S-allele associated ribonucleases (S-RNases) in the pistil are involved in pollen rejection. In this work, we analyzed two newly isolated lines of Petunia hybrida, termed PB and PF. They both had the same set of S-RNases (SB1- and SB2-RNases), however the PB was a self-incompatible diploid while PF was a self-compatible tetraploid. Cross pollination tests between PB and PF indicated diploid pollen from PF lost the incompatibility phenotype. In order to clarify the effects of polyploidy on pollen phenotypic change, we artificially induced tetraploid plants from a diploid SB1SB2 heterozygote (= PB) and a diploid SB1SB1 homozygote. The obtained SB1 SB1SB1SB1 homoallelic tetraploid remained self-incompatible, whereas the SB1SB1SB2SB2 heteroallelic tetraploid became self-compatible. These data suggested that the diploid heteroallelic pollen lost the incompatibility phenotype and had the characteristics of self-compatibility with SB1SB2 style.     

西藏扎木地区高山松松脂产量与温,湿度的关系

初步探讨了西藏扎木地区高山松产脂过程随温、湿度变化的泌脂规律．回归分析结果表明,在适宜温度下,相对湿度是影响该地高山松松脂日产量的主要气候生态因子,水分供给对于松脂产量有着极其重要的意义．     

The relationship between Japanese cedar pollinosis and air pollutants deposited on the pollen

In this study, air pollutants such as NO ₃ ^– and SO ₄ ^–2 which were found deposited on Japanese cedar pollen in a mountainous area (Tsukechi-cho), and in an urban area (Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City) were measured by ion-chromatography in March 1987 and again in March 1991. An investigation of the pollinosis rate in about 400 Junior High School students in both areas was undertaken during the same periods through both a questionnaire study, and a physical examination. Information was also gathered on the number of vehicles passing through the corresponding areas. The results of this research are as follows: (1) The quantity of NO ₃ ^– deposited on the pollen of Japanese cedar was about 2.3 and 2.0 times greater in the urban area than in the mountainous area (1987 and 1991, respectively). The concentration of SO ₄ ^–2 was about 7.8 and 3.6 times higher in the urban area than in the mountainous area (1987 and 1991, respectively). (2) The results of a questionnaire study taken at the two Junior High Schools from the different districts showed a lower incidence of nasal symptoms in the mountainous area than in the urban area for 1987. The percentage of pollinosis shown by physical examination in the mountainous area rose from 20.1% in 1987 to 30.0% in 1991, and this corresponds to a rise in the number of motor vehicles in the area. Comparatively, in the urban area, the questionnaire results and physical examinations revealed no changes from 1987 to 1991.     

Aerobiology of Vigo, North-Western Spain: atmospheric pollen spectrum and annual dynamics of the most important taxa, and their clinical importance for allergy

Vigo is a city located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Influenced by the Atlantic climate, it is surrounded by a Eurosiberian-type vegetation, modified by the introduction of forestry and ornamental species. Different ruderal vegetation types, resulting from human influence, grow in the area. The study of the pollen content of the air of Vigo started in 1989, with a Cour trap. Average results for the period 1989–1995 are presented in this paper, together with the lowest and highest values found. The representativeness of the mean values is analysed by calculating the coefficient of variation of the data series. Most pollen types in the atmosphere of Vigo are from tree species (54.2%); an important proportion comes from herb species (43.9%) and very few (1.8%) correspond to shrub species. A total of 73 different pollen types have been identified. The most abundant, listed in decreasing order of mean annual values for the period, are:Pinus (25.1%), Poaceae (21.1%), Urticaceae (14.6%),Quercus (8.5%),Castanea (3.7%),Betula (3.6%),Eucalyptus (3.4%),Plantago (3.2%),Alnus (2.1%), Cupressaceae (2.1%), Oleaceae (1.6%;Olea 1.3%),Platanus (1.3%),Rumex (1.3%), Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae (1.0%), Ericaceae (0.8%), Asteraceae (0.6%;Artemisia 0.1% andTaraxacum type 0.2%) andMercurialis (0.5%). A pollen calendar showing the annual dynamics of all these pollen types is presented in this paper. A parallel study of the clinical importance of respiratory allergies in Vigo was also conducted. From a sample of 2750 patients, 87.2% suffered from rhinoconjunctivitis, 26.0% of these due to pollen, and 78.3% from asthma, 17.2% due to pollen. The pollen types responsible for these allergies, listed in decreasing order, are: Poaceae (78%),Parietaria (12%),Chenopodium (11%),Plantago (9%), Oak (4%),Artemisia (3%),Pinus (3%),Eucalyptus (3%),Olea (2%),Platanus (2%),Castanea (2%),Taraxacum (2%),Rumex (2%),Betula (1%),Cupressus (1%) andMercurialis (1%).     

Reproductive variability and pollen limitation in three Betula taxa in northern Sweden

This 3-yr study documents large variation in pollination and seed quality in birches (Betula) in northern Sweden between taxa, high and low altitude populations, and among years Seed quality was positively correlated with pollination degree and improved by pollen supplementation in B pubescens ssp pubescens in the mountain area, indicating pollen limitation Betula pendula showed the same tendency, but less pronounced Reduced sexual reproduction of B pendula in the mountain area might more often be due to limited resources for seed maturation and defense of the seeds against predispersal seed predation In contrast, coastal populations of both species display relatively high pollination rates and supplemental pollination had no effect on seed quality, suggesting that pollen limitation is rare or absent here The mountain birch Betula pubescens ssp tortuosa showed generally lower pollination and seed quality compared with B pubescens ssp pubescens , but not compared with mountain populations of B pendula It is concluded that pollen limitation may occur in Betula , but to what extent varies with taxon, altitude and year The seed quality is also strongly affected by other factors such as infections of gall midges (Semudobia spp, Diptera Cecidomyndae) and incomplete seed maturation     

Relationship between the generative cell and vegetative nucleus in pollen tubes of Nicotiana tabacum

Summary Fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize microtubules (Mts) and chromatin in an effort to further clarify the relationship between the generative cell (GC) and vegetative nucleus (VN) in pollen tubes of tobacco. Prominent Mt bundles are present in one or more GC extensions that can be finger-like or lamellar in form. While the VN is positioned distal to the GC in most cases, it can also straddle the cell or lie proximal to it. In all cases, however, extensions embrace, penetrate or clasp the VN. GC Mts are reorganized during the formation of the mitotic apparatus, and cell extensions are fully or partially withdrawn. By telophase in many pollen tubes, the VN shifts to a more proximal position and appears to adhere to the region of the GC containing the phragmoplast. Application of oryzalin leads to the disorganization of Mts, changes in cell shape, including the loss or alteration of cell extensions, and separation of the GC and VN in some cases. However, the position and polarity of the VN is maintained in most pollen tubes. The results indicate that GC Mts and cell extensions play a role in the association with the VN. However, the relationship appears to be controlled by other factors as well. Attention should now be directed at potential interactions involving the VN envelope, vegetative plasma membrane, GC plasma membrane and extracellular matrix.Abbreviations GC Generative cell - MGU male germ unit - Mt microtubule - VN vegetative nucleus     

Aerobiological study of Fagaceae pollen in the middle-west of Spain

The concentration of airborne Fagaceae pollen in Salamanca and the correlations with some meteorological parameters have been examined. Castanea and Quercus pollen grains were collected from 1998 to 2004 using a Burkard spore trap. No pollen grains of Fagus were found. The main pollen season took place in April and May for Quercus and in June and July for Castanea. Yearly variations on these dates could be related to the influence of meteorological factors such as rainfall, temperature, or dominant winds. The highest values appeared in the year 2004 for both taxa. The Fagaceae airborne content was mainly due to Quercus pollen, Castanea having a scarce pollen content in the city of Salamanca. The highest counts of Fagaceae pollen grains were found from mid May to early June due to the pollen behavior of oaks. The cumulative counts varied over the years, with a mean value of 2,384 pollen grains, a highest total of 6,036 in 2004 and a lowest total of 954 in 2001. No cyclic variations were observed. Daily pollen concentrations presented positive correlation with temperature, negative with relative humidity and slightly negative with rainfall using Spearman's correlation coefficients, only in the case of Castanea, because the particular hourly distribution of rainfall during the spring might affect Quercus airborne pollen.     

Interactions between aroids and arboreal mammals in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest

The Brazilian Atlantic rainforest harbours at least 129 non-volant mammal species. There is also a diverse and numerous epiphytic flora associated with this Neotropical rainforest, including several species of Araceae. Nevertheless, knowledge of the ecology of this group of plants and its interaction with animals is poor. In this study we investigated the interactions between epiphytic aroids and arboreal mammals in the Atlantic forest. We carried out the field work between November 1995 and June 1997 in the Parque Estadual Intervales, southeastern Brazil, a still well preserved forest area of approximately 490 km². We analysed faecal samples from primates (Cebus apella and Brachyteles arachnoides), collected during observations in the field, and marsupials (Didelphis aurita, Micoureus demerarae, Gracilinanus microtarsus), collected from animals captured monthly or bi-monthly in live-traps. We recorded 17 species of Araceae in the study area. The seeds of eight species occurred in the faecal samples: Anthurium harrissi, Monstera adansonii, Philodendron corcovadense, P. appendiculatum, P. exymium, P. crassinervium, P. obliquifolium, and Heteropsis oblongifolia. Aroids were present in faecal samples of the primates during most of the year, with a mean monthly percentage of occurrence of about 56.2%. For marsupials, aroids also were a seasonally important food source, as between November and June the mean monthly percentage of occurrence in faecal samples was about 26.5%. Our data indicate that aroids are an important food source for arboreal and semi-arboreal mammals and that these animals may play an important role as seed dispersers of this group. Aroids and arboreal mammals appear to interact more strongly in Atlantic forest than in other Neotropical forests.