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 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.     

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 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.     

Application of the extended BBCH scale for the description of the growth stages of coffee (Coffea spp.)

The extended BBCH (BBCH = Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie, Germany) scale and its associated decimal code were used to describe the growth stages of the coffee plant. Principal growth stages included germination and vegetative propagation, leaf development on the shoot of the young plant and branches of the tree, formation of branches, branch elongation, inflorescence and flower development, flowering, development of fruit, ripening of fruit and seed, and senescence. Secondary stages were also identified for each of the principal stages. Through a two digit decimal code, it is possible to identify the principal growth stages and their respective secondary stages. This scale will be of great help to coffee growers and researchers around the world for the more efficient planning of management practices and experiments.     

Phenological growth stages of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) according to the BBCH scale

Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) has been recognised as an underutilised plant worthy of further research and development by the Indian National Genetic Resources Programme and the International Centre for Underutilised Crops, UK. It is an important fruit crop of the hot arid regions in India as it forms an integral part of the life of the locals as a source of nutrition, fodder (leaves), fuel (pruned wood) and it has several ethnobotanical uses. In this study, 8 of the 10 principal growth stages based on the existing Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale were used to describe Indian jujube. These growth stages were vegetative bud development (Stage 0), leaf development (Stage 1), shoot development (Stage 3), inflorescence development (Stage 5), flower development (Stage 6), fruit development (Stage 7), fruit maturity (Stage 8) and senescence or beginning of dormancy (Stage 9). The phenological BBCH scale for Indian jujube can be used to guide the growers as to when to carry out orchard management practices such as canopy training and pruning, nutrient and water application, pest and disease control and post‐harvest processing.