Phénologie : intérêt et méthodes en aérobiologie

While the first phenologic observations were made by Reaumur in 1735, it was not until the late 1960s that phenology (the study of the times of recurring natural phenomena, such as the flowering and fruiting of plants in relation to climatic conditions) was used as a complementary tool in aerobiology. In a number of cases, phenologic observations were considered to be indicators of climatic changes. The originality of the work done in France and other European countries was to consider phenological observations as essential for the understanding of pollen/allergen data. The principal results allow us to confirm that data on pollen (aerobiology) are basic whereas phenologic data are observations of proximity, each having its advantages and its inconveniences.