) Link in the city of Cordoba and in the Sierra of Cordoba.The study of floral phenology dynamic in groups of species with stenopalynous pollen, such as grasses, selleck allow us a better understanding of the aerobiological curves [16]. The aim of this work is to study the spatial variations in floral phenology of V. geniculata during the spring of the years 2004�C2006, and also, to create phenological maps throughout the study area, starting out of a limited number of sampling points. We also have tried to compare the obtained maps with Poaceae pollen emission in the atmosphere in order to demonstrate which areas more contribute to the pollen curve.2. Material and Methods2.1. Study AreaThe study was carried out in the outskirts of the city of C��rdoba 37��50��N and 4��45��W; 123ma.s.l., South-western Spain.

The climate is Mediterranean with some continental features, and it is characterised by temperate, cold winters and dry, cold summers, with an annual average temperature of 17.6��C and an annual rainfall 536mm, average data from 1971 to 2000 [17].2.2. Aerobiological SamplingAerobiological data have been obtained following the Spanish Aerobiology Network Management and Quality Control [18]. The aerobiological sampler used was a Hirst-type spore trap located on the roof of the Faculty of Education, University of Cordoba.2.3. Phenological SurveyThe phenological monitoring took place during years 2004�C2006. Ten sampling points were randomly chosen into the study area (Figure 1). Five of them belonged to the Termomediterranean bioclimatic zone, and five belonged to the Mesomediterranean [19].

Table 1 shows coordinates, altitude and bioclimatic zone for each one of the chosen points.Figure 1Sampling points distribution.Table 1Sampling points coordinates.The flowering period has been divided into five fenophases for the study, defined according to the number of open flowers in the inflorescence, based upon the methodology proposed by [20]. It has been considered open flowers those in which it has been observed exerted stamens. The phase before flowering, or phase 0, comprises a period of time that begins with emergence of the inflorescence and finishes when the first blooming occurs. The start flowering phase, or phase 1, lasts until the opening of approximately the 25% of the flowers.

The full flowering phase, or phase 2, comprises the period of maximum pollen shedding and lasts until the opening of approximately the 75% of the flowers. The ending flowering phase, or phase 3, comprises the opening of the last 25% of the flowers and finishes when all the anthers have released the majority amount of pollen. The past flowering phase, or phase Drug_discovery 4, begins when all the anthers are almost empty.Phenological observations were carried out once a week from 2004 to 2006.