Phenological study of key species of Salsola laricina in Saveh rangelands

In this study, phenology of Salsola laricina as an important range species was studied for period of four years. The phonological stages were recorded at vegetative stage every two weeks and at the reproductive stage once a week. Temperature and precipitation data of the study years were used to interpret the phenology of the species. Results showed that the phenological period of Salsola laricina varied each year due to climate change. Generally, this type of vegetative growth begins in mid-March and continues until mid-July and temporary sleep begins. Flowering occurs in first decade of September and seed ripening stage begin in early November. Generally, the best time to collect seeds is November 10-30, depending on rainfall. Start growing was earlier in the dry year of 2008 (47% lower than long-term) and vegetative period was about 15 to 20 days shorter than in 2009 (16% higher than long-term). Increasing rainfall also increases the vegetative period and delay flowering and seeding about a week. Understanding the phenology of Salsola laricina is important for regulating plant utilization plans, determining the time of entry and exit of livestock, collection of seeds, prevention of untimely harvesting in the steppic rangelands.