Analysing phenological features in natural and semi-natural environments next to cultivated fields as a prerequisite for potential pollen flow evaluation

In the framework of the LIFE + DEMETRA (LIFE08/NAT/IT/342) project, aimed at defining a methodology to monitor possible collateral effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on natural and semi-natural environments, a survey on plant biodiversity within the “Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli” Regional Park - Tuscany (Italy) was carried out. Activities focused on: a) evaluating how phenological features may be influenced by different environments; b) detecting wild species subject to potential breeding with cultivated oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C.); c) allowing a proper planning of crop plantation. Permanent plots were designed in six selected sites; phenological data were collected from March to October 2010 and then compared with meteorological data provided by three weather stations. Results showed that Sinapis arvensis L. and Cardamine hirsuta L. turned out to have a flowering period overlapping with B. napus var. oleifera. The phenological observations allowed the identification of three phenological groups. Some phenological variations between environments were highlighted, although it wasn’t possible to outline a clear relationship with the examined meteorological variables.