A Fifteen-Year Phenological Record of Pasture Plants Near Lincoln, Nebraska

Abstract

Occurrence of various growth stages of major pasture plants near Lincoln, NE, were recorded for 15 yr, 1958 to 1973. The phenology of 31 perennial and 16 biennial, winter annual, and annual broadleaf species and 18 grasses was determined. Phenological stages of broadleaf species were recorded as: emergence, stem elongation, first bud, first bloom, and seed firm. Events recorded for the grasses were: emergence, culm elongation, head exserted, anthesis, and seed firm. Much variation existed in phenology among and within life habit groupings of species. Year-to-year variability in phenology of these plants was dependent on temperature patterns of specific years. Studies of this nature are useful in developing more efficient control methods for weeds, insects, and diseases.