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Phenology Methods

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Central North Island phenology observation method

Southern Islands phenology

Phenology Monitoring – Waipapa Ecological Area, Pureora
Sampling units
A choice of eight tree species to be monitored was based on the then current knowledge of kaka diet, the potential importance of the flower/fruit crop likely to be produced within Waipapa and our ability (in terms of resources) to effectively monitor these species.  The species selected were rimu, matai, miro, kahikatea, tawa, hinau, rewarewa and fuchsia. 

At least ten specimens of each species were selected.  For those dioecious plant species (e.g. the podocarps) twenty individuals were selected in the hope that sufficient samples of male and female productivity could be assessed.  Individual trees were not all chosen at random.  A large number of trees were largely selected on our ability to be able to clearly see much of their foliage and from within a fairly circumscribed part of the main study area to reduce the time taken to monitor all of the trees.  On average a total of 130 individual trees were monitored on a regular basis. 

All trees were individually marked with numbered aluminium tags and grouped into “plots” which were conspicuously marked at access points.  Précis maps of the location of plots and tagged trees were also drafted as an aid to relocation.

 Sampling Regime
All trees were monitored on a monthly basis.  Initial monitoring was bi-monthly but it quickly became apparent that this interval was too large to accurately record the often rapid changes in availability and abundance of flowers and fruits.

 Given the size of the tree species being monitored (up to 40+ m) the use of binoculars and a spotting scope mounted on a tripod was mandatory.  Data was recorded on to prepared data sheets as follows:

 Phenology Observations
Month:                Date:          Sheet No.:             Observer:

 For each individual plant the number of flowers and fruits per cubic metre of potential flower and fruit bearing foliage/surface was estimated using seven size classes.  It should be noted that this estimate was also “averaged” over the entire tree (more accurately the part of the tree capable of producing flowers and fruits) and that a cubic metre will often take on different shapes dependent on the structure of the tree and where flowers and fruits are produced.  The seven size classes were as follows: 

(0)  0             
(1)  1-10       
(2)  11-100     
(3)  101-500           
(4)  501-1000
(5)  1001-5000    
(6)  5001-10,000
(7)  10,000+

This classification hopefully provides a reasonable quantitative estimate of the number of flowers and fruits that are being produced.

The percentage of flowers open and fruits ripe provides some indication of the maturity relative to the numbers of flowers and fruit recorded per cubic metre.  This is backed up in greater detail by the columns recording the developmental stages of flowers and fruits.  These categories are defined as follows:

Developmental stage of flowers:   
(1)  bud showing           
(2)  swelling and growing
(3)  approximate mature size but still unopened         
(4)  open

 Developmental stage of fruit:   
(1)  recently fertilised                       
(2)  swollen and growing           
(3)  approximate mature size but still unripe                    
(4)  ripe

 The groundfall column provides something of a check as to what is going on up in the tree as well as highlighting any fruiting or flowering that may have been missed between monthly checks.  The four size classes represent quick counts of individual flowers and fruits found directly below a tagged tree.

 Interpretation
The relationship between diet and productivity, particularly the limitations to the latter, can only be examined if we know both the quantity of available plant foods and their temporal availability.  This applies not only to native species but their potential competitors and predators as well.  An understanding of plant phenology is therefore central to any interpretation of the dynamics of ecosystems we are attempting to manage.  Systematic long term measurements of plant productivity alongside those of the abiotic environment (temperature, rainfall, etc) are, therefore, essential if we wish to bind management practices more closely to the productivity of these environments.

Central North Island phenology observation method

Southern New Zealand Island Phenology

Timing of Events  
The observations are linked to particular sites.  These localities have been not been included to protect the endangered species

  Seed Trays

Put stockings on seed trays at the end of November, replace monthly until the end of June when you remove the last stocking.  Put a plastic label in each stocking with the seed tray number and the date it was brought in.  Dry above the fire in the hut and send to group leader.  Seed trays are numbered and mapped for easy collection.

Observation section

For trees and large shrubs

Manuka. Record flowering intensity in at least 50 plants as viewed from the specified location.