Phenological growth stages of loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.)

Conservation, characterisation and utilisation of minor fruit tree species is an important objective for diversification of agro-food production. One such fruit tree is the loquat, a tree that originated in China but is well adapted to the Mediterranean area. The conservation and utilisation of suitable germplasm requires an accurate characterisation and evaluation of the material. A first step in characterisation is to use phenotypic traits. This paper describes the phenological growth stages of loquat tree using the extended BBCH scale. Seven principal growth stages (PGS) for bud, leaf and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development and fruit maturity and 31 secondary growth stages are described and compared with a previous scale based on Fleckinger classical methodology. An example of application of the extended BBCH scale for characterisation of loquat cultivars from IVIA germplasm collection is reported.     

Phenological growth stages of olive trees (Olea europaea)

This paper describes the phenological growth stages of olive trees using the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, Chemische Industrie) scale. Eight principal growth stages for bud, leaf and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity and senescence and 32 secondary growth stages are described. Advantages of the BBCH scale over other methods are discussed.     

Phenological growth stages of African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

The aim of this paper was to study the phenology of commercially cultivated representative genotypes of the Elaeis guineensis Jacq. species in two Colombian growing areas. The frequency of observations was daily, weekly or monthly depending on the stage of development under evaluation, over an 18‐month time period. Observations were made on prenursery and nursery plants and on three‐ to five‐year‐old palms starting from the zero leaf (spear leaf), through development of inflorescence, and ending with maturity and harvesting of fruit bunches. Stem observations were made on different age palms of the same cultivars. The duration of each phenological stage was measured in terms of days. The phenological growth stages were coded according to the BBCH scale (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie), consisting of three digits, because of the inclusion of intermediate stages between the principal and secondary stages in order to provide more accurate details on each development stage.     

Phenological growth stages of nashi tree (Pyrus pyrifolia): codification and description according to the BBCH scale

The phenological growth stages of nashi tree were firstly described here using the BBCH scale. Based on this general scale, nashi phenology showed 8 of the 10 principal stages (0–9): bud, leaf and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity and senescence. A schematic representation of the chronological progression of principal growth stages of nashi is also shown. The codification of the different growth stages is important for correct timing of general orchard management, particularly for disease and pest management. Besides, it will help farmers to efficiently schedule and manage nashi cultivation, as well as to improve knowledge dissemination among scientists around the World.     

Phenological growth stages of jujube tree (Ziziphus jujube): codification and description according to the BBCH scale

The phenological growth stages of jujube tree are first described here using the BBCH scale. Based on this general scale, jujube phenology showed 8 of the 10 principal stages (0–9): bud, leaf and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity and senescence. A schematic representation of the chronological progression of principal growth stages of jujube is also shown. The codification of the different growth stages is important for correct timing of general orchard management, particularly for disease and pest management. Besides, it will help farmers to efficiently schedule and manage jujube cultivation, as well as to improve knowledge dissemination among scientists around the World.     

A growth stage key for winter linseed (Linum usitatissimum)

A growth key for use in winter linseed Linum usitatissimum is described. The decimal key is based upon the principles outlined by the BBCH scale. This scale covers the following main development stages in winter linseed: germination and emergence, leaf development, basal branching, stem extension, inflorescence development and emergence, flowering and capsule formation, development of the seed and capsule, capsule and seed ripening and stem senescence. These are subdivided into secondary stages. The key aims to provide farmers and advisers with clear guidance on appropriate growth stages for treatment of winter linseed crops and its' use is discussed with particular reference to agro-chemicals. Botanical illustrations are presented, based on samples taken from winter linseed crops covering the main growth stages.     

Phenological growth stages of Magnolia ×soulangeana according to the extended BBCH scale

Magnolia × soulangeana, one of the most famous ornamental trees of Magnoliaceae, is widely cultivated around the world. However, its phenological characteristics at life-cycle scale have never been detailedly reported so far. In this article, the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, und Chemische Industrie) scale was applied to divide the growth and development cycle of M. × soulangeana in both juvenile phase and adult phase, and describe the characteristics of phenological development stage, so as to provide theoretical guidance for its cultivation measures implementation. Based on the BBCH phenological scale, the processes of germination (0), leaf development (1), main stem elongation (3) and dormancy (9) were observed in the juvenile phase. Likewise, the morphological changes of organs in adult phase were abundant, and eight principal growth stages were described: vegetative bud development (0), leaf development (1), shoot development (3), reproductive development (5), flowering (6), fruit development (7), maturity of fruit (8) and dormancy (9). Our newly developed scale provides a unified standard for describing and identifying the phenological period of M. × soulangeana. In addition, it is of great significance to understand the phenological characteristics of M. × soulangeana for its breeding and cultivation management.     

Phenological growth stages of shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa) according to the BBCH scale

The shea tree is among the socio-economically and environmentally most important plants in the Sudano-Sahelian region of Africa. Shea butter is internationally valued for use in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and confectionary industries. Scaling and describing phenological growth stages is of great importance in crops management. However, such phenological scale is still lacking for shea tree. To fill this gap, we documented the different growth stages of shea tree by referencing to the Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. Eight of the ten principal growth stages (0–9) and 43 secondary growth stages (0–9) were described in shea tree. Among the eight principal stages, four were related to reproductive phenophases: inflorescence emergence stage (5), flowering stage (6), fruit development stage (7), and fruit maturity stage (8). The remaining four principal stages concerned vegetative phenophases and contained: bud development stage (0), leaf development stage (1), shoot development stage (3), and senescence stage (9). Observations of shea tree phenophases depicted asynchronous growth patterns with overlapping secondary growth stages of different principal stages within an individual tree canopy at the same time. The proposed phenological growth scale specific to shea tree but compatible with other crops is a valuable contribution for the implementation of crops management protocols and the standardisation of research between different laboratories.     

Phenological growth stage of tropical shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) planted from seed in lowland area based on the BBCH scale

Shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) is an important Allium plant commonly grown in tropical countries, including Indonesia, and it is used as spice for daily cooking, medicine, cosmetics and dietary supplements. Since shallot is predominantly propagated vegetatively by bulbs, it augments pathogen accumulation which influences low seed bulb management as well as productivity. Hence, utilisation of seeds/True Seed Shallot (TSS) emerges an alternative propagation material. However, no information is available on the growth stages of shallot plants from TSS. The phenological growth stages of tropical shallot planted in lowland areas using seeds in accordance with the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt nd CHemische Industrie (BBCH) scale are first described here. Five introduced TSS cultivars, that is, Tuk Tuk, Lokananta, Sanren, Maserati, Tropix and four landraces TSS cultivars, that is, Bima, Biru Lancor, Pancasona and Trisula, were used as planting materials to develop an extended numerical BBCH scale for the identification of different phenological growth stages of shallot from seed. The study was conducted in lowland areas under tropical conditions of Indonesia. Based on BBCH scale, phenology of tropical shallot from seed in lowland area exhibited five of the 10 principal stages (0–9): germination (stage 0), leaf development (stage 1), formation of lateral shoot/tiller of pseudostem (stage 2), development of bulb (harvestable vegetative part) (stage 4), and senescence (stage 9). The codification of the different growth stages is essential in determination of the correct timing for better crop management, particularly for transplanting, fertilisation, control of weeds, disease and pest, plant growth regulators application and harvest time. As an implication, these BBCH scales could be used in plant breeding activities to shorten the TSS life cycle.     

Phenological stages of the quince tree (Cydonia oblonga)

As in other temperate species, the quince tree (Cydonia oblonga) shows different phenological stages throughout its vegetative growth period in response to changing temperatures. Two cultivars were studied, and 15 phenological stages were identified during their annual cycle, starting at bud dormancy and ending at leaf fall a year later. The different phenological stages were classified according to the BBCH General Scale and Fleckinger's code. The length of all the stages was measured in days and as cumulative day degrees. This study of the quince tree might aid to prevent and deal with any potential physiological and pathological disorders.     

Phenological growth stages of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

The BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, Chemische Industrie) scale is used to describe the phonological growth stages of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Eight principal growth stages for germination and bud development, leaf development (crop canopy), root and perennating bud formation, peduncle elongation and inflorescence development, flowering and fruit set, development of fruit, ripening of fruit and senescence, and 42 secondary growth stages are described. A practical use of the scale is proposed with reference to the timing of application of agrochemicals for disease control.     

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.