Phenological behaviour of Parthenium hysterophorus in response to climatic variations according to the extended BBCH scale

Considering the importance of ecological and biological traits in imparting invasive success to the alien species, the phenological behaviour of an alien invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus was documented according to the extended BBCH scale in four different seasons. A phenological calendar was prepared using both two‐ and three‐ digit coding system, precisely describing the developmental stages of the weed. The phenological documentation is further supplemented with the dates corresponding to a particular growth stage, pictures of the representative growth stages and meteorological data of all the four seasons. Results revealed that the phenology of the weed altered in response to the changing temperature and humidity conditions but no apparent climatic condition could inhibit its germination or flowering. However, the emergence of inflorescence was highly sensitive to the temperature/photoperiodic conditions. Variations in the phenological traits of P. hysterophorus with changing environmental conditions explain the acclimatisation potential of the weed permitting its vast spread in the non‐native regions. Since the given phenological illustrations are accurate, unambiguous and coded as per an internationally recognised scale, they could be exploited for agronomic practices, weed management programmes, and research purposes.     

Phenological growth stages of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) based on the BBCH scale

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a pseudocereal native from the Andean region of South America that has increased in importance worldwide. Quinoa is now considered an alternative to traditional crops in a climate change scenario, considering its ability to adapt to marginal soils, droughts and frosts. Despite the interesting agronomic and nutritional features of this crop, research into quinoa is characterised by individual attempts to define its phenological stages without an international consensus. A unique criterion to quantify the phenology of quinoa could become a useful tool for researchers and plant breeders in future work by standardising this information for international cooperation. In this article, a proposed scale of the phenological growth stages of quinoa based on the BBCH coding system (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) was developed. Growth stages were described utilising the decimal code of the BBCH system, and figures were included for the most representative stages.     

Phenological growth stages of mulberry tree (Morus sp.) codification and description according to the BBCH scale

Recently, mulberry fruits have increased rapidly the production and consumption, due to its high levels of bioactive compounds, excellent taste and nutritional value. Nevertheless there is poorly information about its phenology. In the present study, the different phenological growth stages of mulberry are characterised according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt Chemische Industrie) scale. Eight of the 10 principal developmental stages from BBCH scale were described for Morus sp., starting at bud development (stage 0) and ending at the senescence and beginning of the rest period (stage 9). The BBCH code for this species provides a consensual unified approach for standardisation of phenological stages in mulberry, moreover to facilitate agronomic practices.     

Phenological stages of willow (Salix)

The practice of uniform recording of biological plant growth stages or events has long been practiced in agricultural production. In this study the BBCH (Biologishe Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical Industry) code has been applied to four precocious species of willows to define growth stages important to this group. The studied taxa represent varieties of potential importance in the Floral Industry. A new BBCH code is proposed where the annual cycle of willows is divided into clearly recognisable and easily distinguishable developmental phases which include eight principal stages, 30 secondary stages and six mesostages. Photographs illustrate the physical appearance of select stages. This proposed BBCH code shows a unified approach which may be applied to a large number of Salix species.     

Phenological growth stages of caper plant (Capparis spinosa L.) according to the Biologische Bundesanstalt,Bundessortenamt and CHemical scale

Capparis spinosa is an evergreen perennial shrub known from ancient times. During the last years it has been intensively studied because of its multiple uses. The phenological growth stages of caper plant were described using the BBCH scale (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical industry). The decimal code established nine principal growth stages using a two‐digit numerical system, and every major stage was in turn subdivided into secondary growth stages.