To Everything there is a Season: Phenology 101 National Master Gardener Convention April 6, 2013 Rebecca Last, Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton

2 What it’s not…

3 Outline 1.Phenology & Human History 2.Definitions of Phenology 3.Phenology Concepts 4.Using Phenology in the Garden a. Planting, Flowering & Fruiting Schedules b. Integrated Pest Management c. Weather Prediction d. Climate Science 5.Gardeners Can Save the World! 6.Q&A

4 1. Phenology & Human History

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10 1. Phenology & Human History

11 2.Definitions of Phenology  Greek:  phainō, “to show, to bring to light, make to appear” +  logos “study, discourse, reasoning”  Dates of first occurrence of biological events in their annual cycle.  US/IBP Phenology Committee:  “… study of the timing of recurring biological events, the causes of their timing with regard to biotic and abiotic forces, and the interrelation among phases of the same or different species”.

12 2.Definitions of Phenology

13 3. Phenology Concepts  Factors influencing plant germination & growth  Chilling requirement  Photoperiod  Latitude  Growing Degree Days / Aggregate Growing Degree Days  Diurnal temperature fluctuations, thermoperiod  Elevation  Snow pack  High latitude growing  Balancing frost risk with short growing periods

14 4. Using Phenology in the Garden  Framework or lens for observing the natural world  Gardening Activities Calendar:  Planting,  Flowering  Integrated Pest Management  Host susceptibility  Environment  Pathogen / Pest  Weather prediction  Climate science  Monitoring,  Prediction,  Adaptation…?

15 4a. Garden Calendar: Planting

16 4a. Garden Calendar: Planting

17 4a. Garden Calendar: Planting

18 4a. Garden Calendar: Flowering

19 4b. Integrated Pest Management or Pest

20 4b. IPM: Susceptible Host Why is plant susceptible?  Site specific  See “Conducive Environment”  Phase of growth  Green growth on woody plants?  Young leaves?  Flower budding?  Fruit-set?

21 4b. IPM: Conducive Environment What makes a “conducive environment”?  Warm? Cool?  Wet? Dry? When do conducive conditions occur?  Seasonally?  Weather-related?

22 4b. IPM: Pathogen or Pest How is pathogen transmitted?  Water, soil, air, or pest-vector? When is pest prevalent? Vulnerable?  Seasonally?  Weather-related?

23 4c. Weather Prediction

24 4c. Weather Prediction

25 4c. Weather Prediction

26 4c. Weather Prediction

27 4c. Weather Prediction

28 4c. Weather Prediction

29 4c. Weather Prediction

30 4c. Weather Prediction

31 4c. Weather Prediction

32 4d. Climate Change Tools

33 4d. Climate Change Tools

34 4d. Climate Change Tools

35 4d. Climate Change Tools

36 4d. Climate Change Tools

37 4d. Climate Change: Indicator Species

38 4d. Climate Change: Monitoring

39 4d. Climate Change: Monitoring

40 4d. Climate Change: Prediction Warming by 2099 or sooner… 

41 4d. Climate Change: Adaptation  Harvest rain-water  Avoid chemical fertilizer  Plant drought tolerant plants  Plants with grey-green, fleshy or hairy foliage and stems  Mulch :  To retain water in soil, and  To insulate plants from freeze-thaw cycles  Foster diversity  Be aware of new health risks  Heat stress – drink plenty of fluids, avoid working mid-day  Increased potential for respiratory problems  Disease from insect bites – cover up, use bug repellent  Grow food  For yourself and your family  For wildlife

42 5. Gardeners Can Save the World!

43 6. Q & A ?