Abstract Detail

Recent Topics Posters

Ingersoll, David [1], Motley, Timothy J. [2].

Establishing a Phenology Monitoring Network in Southeastern Virginia.

Phenology is the study of seasonal plant and animal life cycles. In plants, important phenophases include flowering, fruiting, leaf emergence and senescence. Phenological studies document the timing, duration and fluctuations of seasonal cycles in plants and are used in a variety of disciplines including horticulture, agriculture and human health. Recent studies have used phenological data to investigate the effects of increased atmospheric CO₂ and a changing climate on the seasonal cycles of plants. The objective of this project was to establish a Southeastern Virginia Phenology Network to regularly monitor and document the phenology of several southeastern plant species and submit data to the USA National Phenology Network, which compiles phenological observations from around the country. A variety of trees, shrubs and herbs that are ecologically and economically important species are monitored. The newly established network collects data at two locations in Norfolk; Norfolk Botanical Garden and Weyanoke Preserve. Websites have been developed for the Southeastern Virginia Phenology Network that contain information on sites and plant species as well as general information for the regional and national networks to enable standardized data to be collected whether by amateur volunteers or professionals. The network is also part of the Cloned Plants Project which documents the phenology of genetically identical lilac plants around the country. We hope to expand the network in the future to collect data on additional species at additional sites.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
Southeastern Virginia Phenology Network

1 - Old Dominion University, Biological Sciences, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
2 - Old Dominion University, Biological Sciences, 110 Mills Godwin Building, West 45th Street, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT019
Abstract ID:1122