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Study of Poaceae phenology in a Mediterranean climate. Which species contribute most to airborne pollen counts?

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Abstract

The present study sought to determine which of the common Poaceae species in the study area contribute most to the Poaceae pollen season curve, and to determine the phenological behaviour of the species studied. The different floral phenophases in thirty-three Poaceae species common in and around the city of Córdoba (SW Iberian Peninsula) were checked periodically over the period 2004–2006. Results showed that longer phenological ranges were recorded in the coolest and wettest year, and shorter ranges in the warmest and driest year. Moreover, ranges varied as a function of altitude: populations in lower-lying areas flowered earlier than those at higher altitudes. The results, taken in conjunction with the findings of preliminary research into potential pollen production, showed that probably only four of the Poaceae species studied—Dactylis glomerata, Lolium rigidum, Trisetaria panicea and Vulpia geniculata—were major contributors to the Poaceae airborne pollen curve.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Celestino Mutis (C4), 14071, Córdoba, Spain

    Eduardo León-Ruiz, Purificación Alcázar, Eugenio Domínguez-Vilches & Carmen Galán

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  1. Eduardo León-Ruiz
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  2. Purificación Alcázar
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  3. Eugenio Domínguez-Vilches
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  4. Carmen Galán
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Correspondence to Eduardo León-Ruiz.

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León-Ruiz, E., Alcázar, P., Domínguez-Vilches, E. et al. Study of Poaceae phenology in a Mediterranean climate. Which species contribute most to airborne pollen counts?. Aerobiologia 27, 37–50 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-010-9174-y

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