Periodicity of different phenophases in selected trees from Himalayan Terai

What is it about?

The temporal phenology of leaf bud bursting, leaf initiation, leaf maturation, leaf fall, flower initiation, fruit initiation and fruit fall was recorded for eight tree species (Ficus hispida, F. squamosa, Mallotus nudiflorus, M. philippensis, Shorea robusta, Schleichera oleosa, Pongamia pinnata and Terminalia arjuna) in the tropical moist deciduous forest of Himalayan Terai region from November 2009 to October 2012. The study revealed that a short low temperature dry period, sufficient winter rain and temperature rise are the triggering factors for summer leaf flushing and, the increased soil water availability for second leaf flushing in rains. Initiation of flowering with leaf emergence in the dry period supports higher rate of fruit setting due to maximum availability and activities of pollinators. The dispersal and post dispersal success of fruits increased by their ripening before and/or in the rainy season. In Terminalia arjuna, no correlation has been found between the fruiting and rains. Mallotus nudiflorus and Mallotus philippensis initiate leaves and flowers with the first significant increase in temperature and photoperiod and are thus suggested as the potential tree species for climate change studies in tropics.

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