Phenological Plasticity in Berberis Lycium Royle Along Temporal and Altitudinal Gradients

Abstract

Human influence on the climate change is evident, and the current rate of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases will have widespread impacts on natural ecosystems. Moreover, as global mean temperatures continue to rise; it is pivotal to develop strategies to conserve species and habitats that are vulnerable to climate change. Therefore, the current study assessed the effect of changing climate on fruiting time and phenological plasticity in Berberis lycium Royle at Manoor Valley of Northern Pakistan. Further, these changes in fruiting behavior were correlated with temperature changes over the years. Five varying altitudinal sites of Manoor Valley were selected viz. Kot, Baila Manoor, Banrhi, Siri and Shamal Pata which range between 1807-2390 m.a.s.l. Observational data on phenological stage of B. lycium were recorded in May-October of 2015-17. Ten individuals plant were randomly selected at each altitudinal site and the data recorded. Notable traits were; cover, number of mature fruits and number of immature fruits. GPS was used to record elevation, aspect and position of the plant species and other environmental gradients were measured with the help of weather station. The results were validated using the ordination pattern. Significant changes were observed in all parameters of the species. The results indicated highest gain for bioclimatic variable (bio-9, mean temperature of the driest quarter). The data also indicates that B. lycium is highly sensitive to changes in altitude and temperature; it may be adapting to the gradual temperature change over long periods of time by altering the fruiting time or by adjusting to new altitudinal ranges. Furthermore, new phenology patterns and variations of fruiting period in B. lycium might be the indication of the raise in global temperature.

Environmental variables drive plant species composition and distribution in the moist temperate forests of Northwestern Himalaya, Pakistan

“…Himalaya by stating altitude and temperature as the governing gradient [74]. Such variables, which can be strongly correlated [89], modify the diversity and structure of plant communities by creating local micro-climates [90], directly influencing plant community composition and diversity [19,26,91,92].…”

“…However, despite this high endemism of species greatly influenced by various environmental gradients, such as edaphic, climatic and physiographic variables [19], these areas suffer a major impact from climate change [20,21]. Plant species present in these gradients have great adaptive power [22,23]; however, the speed with which climate change is advancing might not be sufficiently achieved by plant species adaptation in these areas, leading to a strong impact on the biodiversity of these areas [24][25][26], ultimately leading to variations in the community structure [27].…”

“…This region is facing a marked increase in temperature [28], which is three times greater than the global average [29]. This unprecedented rise in temperature, and modification of various environmental variables as well, may lead to shifts in species composition [24][25][26] and variations in community structure [27]. Many researchers have explored the effect of altitude on species composition, diversity, and forests formation structure during the previous two decades, with around half of these studies indicating an inverse association between species richness and altitude.…”

Ecophysiological Plasticity and Cold Stress Adaptation in Himalayan Alpine Herbs: Bistorta affinis and Sibbaldia procumbens

“…It is known that altitude represents a complex gradient along which many environmental factors change concomitantly [11]. Precipitation, light intensity and radiation intensity increases [12,13] and temperature decreases [14] with rising altitude. Therefore, the impact of altitude on plant growth is the result of the combined action of various factors [13].…”

Classification and Characterization of the Manoor Valley’s (Lesser Himalaya) Vegetation from the Subtropical-Temperate Ecotonal Forests to the Alpine Pastures along Ecological Variables

“…For instance, biological spectrum mirrors the existing ecological and natural surroundings [ 22 , 23 ]. They are the plant characteristics that have been widely applied in vegetation research [ 24 ]. High mountains are major hotspots for endemics across the world [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”