Phenological Patterns among the Vegetation of Nikyal Valley, District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Aim: The aim of this study was to report the seasonal variation in phenological pattern as a function of rain fall and temperature.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Nikyal valley located at altitudinal range of 1500-1900 m within the longitude 74o 04′ to 10′ east and latitude 33o 26′ to 29′ north during July 2012 to June 2013.
Methodology: A phenological record of plant species was organized on the source of field trips and visits conducted every month. The plants were then classified in to different phenological stages.
Results: There were 110 plant species of 51 families consisting of 5 trees, 29 shrubs, 55 herbs, 18 grasses and 3 ferns harbouring in Nikyal valley. The investigated area had only one flowering season. Majority of herbaceous, shrubby trees species flowered from April to May and the flowering reached to the peak during May and June.
Conclusion: The variation in phenological patterns controlled by the amount and timing of precipitation inputs during the growing season.