Quantitative studies of phenology and early effects of non-grazing in Cretan phrygana vegetation

The phenology of five types of phrygana vegetation situated at various altitudes in SW Kriti (Crete), Greece, was studied over a period of 17 months. Two treatments were compared - traditional pasturing and non-grazing since spring 1993. The numbers of species in blossom and the numbers of flowering units were recorded. For each site, management type and year were displayed in symphenological diagrams. Differences in phenology were mainly related to altered management or the weather regime, or both. The numbers of flowering units were more evident than those of species in blossom for describing the early response of phrygana vegetation to non-grazing. Increases in numbers of flowering units in the ungrazed areas are mainly due to certain abundant therophytes. Unfavourable weather conditions in late winter or early spring may cause a temporary decline in annual species. Rainfall in May at low altitudes promotes resprouting and reflowering of annuals.