Phenological Behavior of Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) E. Gagnon & G.P.Lewis in an Area of Caatinga in the Semi-Arid Region of Paraíba

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the phenophases of Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P.Lewis in an area of Caatinga in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil. Field research was carried out in the municipality of Sumé, in the Experimental Space reserved for Studies on Ecology and Dynamics of the Caatinga - Area I of the Laboratory of Ecology and Botany - LAEB/CDSA/UFCG (7°39'38.8'' S and 36°53'42.4'' W; 538 m altitude). A total of 96 plots of 10 x 10 m were arranged in the study area, seeking to identify one specimen of C. pyramidale per plot. Monitoring was performed monthly from March 2019 to February 2020, recording budding, senescence, flower bud, flowering, and fruiting data. The Fournier intensity percentage and the activity index were analyzed. The highest budding intensity index was observed when there was a gradual increase in precipitation. Senescence had the highest peaks of intensity in the months with the absence or reduced levels of precipitation. Flower bud and flowering were practically equal throughout the monitoring period. The highest fruiting intensity occurred in the month with the highest precipitation. Regarding the budding activity index, all specimens expressed this phenophase as soon as the precipitation levels increased. In the dry period, all specimens showed senescence. Flower bud and flowering phenophases occurred synchronously. Fruiting had a higher activity index in periods of higher precipitation. Thus, it was observed that precipitation has a great influence on phenological events.

Keywords:
Semi-aridity; Catingueira; Phenophases

HIGHLIGHTS

The budding, flower bud, and flowering phenophases were more intense in months with high precipitation.

Senescence occurs intensely in periods of absence of rainfall.

Specimens of C. pyramidale showed fruiting synchronicity.