The analysis of changes in the timing of life cycle-events of organisms (phenology) has been able to contribute significantly to the assessment of potential impacts of climate change on ecology. These phenological responses of species to changes in climate are likely to have significant relevance for socio-economic issues such as agriculture, forestry and human health and have proven able to play a role in raising environmental awareness and education on climate change. This paper presents the European Phenology Network (EPN), which aims to increase the efficiency, added value and use of phenological monitoring and research, and to promote the practical use of phenological data in assessing the impact of global (climate) change and possible adaptation measures. The paper demonstrates that many disciplines have to deal with changes in the timing of life-cycle events in response to climate change and that many different user groups are involved. Furthermore, it shows how EPN addresses issues such as (1) raising public awareness and education, (2) the integration and co-operation of existing observing systems, (3) integration and access to phenological information and (4) communication.
The phenological development stages of plants and their BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, CHemische Industrie)-coding system are used in agricultural and horticultural science and practice, botanical sciences, meteorology and climatic science as well as agricultural insurance, each with their own varying individual objectives. A proposal for a code for the phenological development of roses in general on the basis of the BBCH extended scale is presented. Ten principal growth stages have been defined from germination/sprouting, through leaf and shoot production to bud, flower and fruit production and to senescence and dormancy. Every principal growth stage has been subdivided into secondary growth stages. Under special conditions, it is helpful to use mesostages with three-digit codes. The mesostages are particularly relevant to roses, as many rose plants have more than one flower per plant. Descriptive keys with illustration aids for the use of the system are included.
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