COMPARATIVE PHENOLOGICAL STUDY OF ZIZIPHUS LOTUS (L.) LAM. IN THE ARID AREA OF TUNISIA

Abstract

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. is spontaneous plant (Rhamnaceae). It is of great ecological value and versatile, but it is endangered. To show the variability of phenological phases of this taxon, a study of phenology was conducted in arid Tunisia: ((Bou Hedma (BH); Matmata (MM); Medenine (Amra) (MD) and Oued Zes (OZ)) during two years (2010 and 2011). Our results show that the different phases, especially the flowering and fruiting coincide with the dry season. The observation of these shrubs in different phenological states shows a high variation between provenances (intersite) and between individual (intrasite). In 2011, the leafing out from BH presents a precocity and prolongation in time compared to others. The flowering is enough spread over time and present with fruiting phase at a given time. In 2010, the provenances of MD and MM are more precocious compared to other. By against, in 2011, all the provenances bloom at the same time. In BH, the fructification is the most precocious compared to others. These variations between provenances can be explained by the influence of temperature, soil moisture, photoperiod, exposure and soil texture.