Phenology is a science that systematically observes the regularities of recurring phenomena in the developmental cycle of plants and animals, and identifies the influence of climatic factors on phenological stages. The word phenology derives from (phaino – to appear) and logy (science). We divide it into phytophenology and zoophenology. Phenology is useful in agriculture for introducing new varieties, determining the length of the growing season and preparing sowing calendars. Phenological data can improve the prognosis of agrotechnical measures such as sowing, irrigation, fertilization, cutting, protection against pests, weeds or diseases. Air temperature and rainfall have the main influence on the onset of phenophases (like flowering or leafing). Higher temperatures resulting from climate change accelerate phenological development. In recent decades, phenological trends for the spring phases have become significantly negative, which means that leafing and flowering occur earlier, the trends for autumn phenophases are positive which means posterior leaf drop, the entire growing season for most plants is prolonged, even though there are some that have shorter growing season, and the interphase periods have also shortened. Changes are also observed in the zoophenology. Migratory birds return from warmer climates earlier, insects start developing earlier in the spring, allowing them more generations in a single season. As plants and animals react differently to the same temperature change, the consequences are also reflected in changed biodiversity. Based on the knowledge of the relationship between temperature and phenological development, we can predict how future climate change will affect phenological development.
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