Mendeley  

Zotero  

Fallah ghalhari G A, Ahmadi H. Temporal-Spatial Estimation of Fruit Trees Flowering Dates in West Azerbaijan Province for Reducetion of Climatic Risks. QJIA 2016; 12 (46) :104-104
URL: http://journal.sbkiran.ir/article-1-50-en.html

The Agricultural sector, due to its biological conditions, has always been considered
as a risky activity. The unpredictability of most natural hazards has caused challenges
for farmers and gardeners. The present study endeavored to determine the optimum
flowering date of pome and stone fruit trees in West Azerbaijan Province based on
climatic conditions. To do so, the minimum and maximum daily temperature data of
meteorological stations for a statistical period of 20 years was used. The flowering date
of fruit trees was calculated using growing degree days index (GDD), and then the
probability of these dates at different confidence levels were estimated by the SMADA
statistical software. Later, in order to determine the time zones with a same flowering
period, the estimated dates were determined in ArcGIS10.2 software based on spatial
factors overlap and interpolation functions on the digital elevation model of the region.
Based on the required thermal and climatic conditions for the fruit trees of the region,
the flowering date of most pome and stone fruit trees occur in May. The completion of
flowering period of plum, blueberry, and cherry trees takes place in a shorter interval due
to less thermal need in the region. The flowering of apple, apricots, blueberry, pear, and
peach trees begins in April in the eastern and southern half of the province. Flowering
of cherry trees takes place in May with a-month delay compared with other trees. The
completion of flowering period for apple, apricots, and cherry trees lasts until early
summer at high altitudes and cold areas. The earliest flowering occurs in the eastern
half, around Lake Urmia and in Sardasht, in southern area of the province. Climatic
conditions and altitude play a significant role in the completion of thermal requirements
of the phenological stage of the fruit trees flowering period. In West Azerbaijan Province,
due to an increase in the height, the flowering date delays a month from east to west.
Estimating the flowering period is important to take preventive measures in order to
reduce the damage during spring in fruit orchards before the occurrence of climatic
hazards such as cold, frost and hail. The awareness of fruit trees flowering period and
informing others through crisis management programs can be very influential.