Study on Phenological Characteristics of Abies pindrow Royle in Different Sites of Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

Phenology refers to the timing of recurring biological events in a species life cycle and is a crucial aspect of life history for both flora and fauna. Studying phenology plays a vital role in identifying regeneration challenges in plant species. It involves observing seasonal biological activities such as flowering, budburst, seed development, dispersal, and leaf shedding in relation to climatic factors. The present research focused on the phenological patterns of Abies pindrow in the Kashmir Himalayas. Three sites within the Srinagar Forest Circle were chosen for this study. Specifically, three trees were monitored in the Pir Panchal Forest Division (2500–2700 m elevation) and Tangmarg Forest Division (2200–2400 m), while two trees were observed in the Sindh Forest Division (2000–2200 m). Among the three sites, the Sindh Forest Division, being at the lowest elevation, exhibited earlier onset of all phenological stages such as needle initiation and development, emergence of male and female strobili, needle senescence, cone colour /seed maturation, and seed dispersal compared to the higher elevation sites. The length of the growing season in all the three sites differed, least growing period was observed in PirPanchal forest division (higher elevation) 28 weeks while as growing period in Tangmarg forest division was 31 weeks. Highest growing period of 32 weeks was observed in Sindh forest division (lower elevation). This pattern suggests that trees at lower altitudes begin their seasonal development earlier, likely due to an earlier onset of spring and associated environmental conditions.