Auniformdecimalcodeforgrowthstagesofcropsandweeds

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A uniform decimal code for growth stages of crops and weeds
Article in Annals of Applied Biology · February 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1991.tb04895.x
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Am. appl. Biot. (1991), 119, 561-601
Primed in Great Britain
561
A uniform decimal code for growth stages of crops and weeds
By PETER D. LANCASHIRE', H. BLEIHOLDER^, T. VAN DEN BOOM^,
P. LANGELÜDDEKE'*, R. STAUSS^, ELFRIEDE WEBERN and A. WITZENBERGER'
^ Bayer UK Limited, Crop Protection Business Group, Eastern Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
IP32 7AH, UK
^BASF AG, Landwirtschaftliche Versuchsstation, Postfach 220, 6703 Limburgerhof,
West Germany
^Bayer AG, Biologische Entwicklung, Pflanzenschutzzentrum-Monheim, 5090 Leverkusen,
West Germany
^Hoechst AG, Pflanzenschutz-Forschung, Freilandversuchswesen, Hessendamm 1-3,
6234 Hattersheim, West Germany
^Ciba-Geigy AG, Division Agro, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
(Accepted 30 September 1991)
Summary
A universal scale (to be known as the BBCH scale) using a decimal code for the
description of the growth stages of most agricultural crops and weeds is proposed.
The scale and codes are based on the well-known Zadoks code for cereals.
Developmentally similar growth stages of different crops are given the same
codes. The general scale provides a framework within which more specific scales
for individual crops may be constructed. The uniformity of the scale makes it easy
to remember and use in agricultural practice and simplifies storage and retrieval in
a Computer System.
A description of the general scale is given foUowed by specific scales for cereals,
rice, maize, oilseed rape, field beans, peas and sunflower. Comparisons with
scales currently in use are given where appropriate.
Key words: Growth stage key, BBCH scale, crop, weed, Computer, cereals, wheat,
Triticum aestivum, barley, Hordeum vulgäre, oats, Avena sativa, rye,
Seeale cereale, triticale, rice, Oryza sativa, maize, Zea mays, field bean,
Vicia faba, oilseed rape, Brassica napus, pea, Pisum sativum, sunflower,
Helianthus annuus
Introduction
All who work with agricultural crops need to describe the growth stages ofthose crops in an
unambiguous and readily-understood way. The use of a Standard scale describing important
growth stages is the usual solution. Many Standard descriptions of growth stages are
available, particularly for economically-important crops: Landes & Porter (1989) describe and
compare 23 scales for temperate cereals. However, for many minor crops no Standard
description of their growth stages exists and the scales used for other crops are usually too
specific to adapt.
Currently used scales for the same crop often distinguish diff'erent growth stages. Where
they describe the same stages they may use diiferent codes. It is not generally possible to map
one scale directly to another even from a simple scale to a more detailed one. Interpolating
growth stages is unwise because the scales are generally ordinal only (stages are ordered but
© 1991 Association of Applied Biologists
PETER D. LANCASHIRE ET AL.
562
plant development between the scale points is undefined and cannot be assumed to be
"linear").
The published scales aim not only to provide a Standard description o f growth stages but
also to give a shorthand code which may be used in place of lengthy descriptions. Scales use
different codes to describe similar stages in different crops. The form of codes can also vary:
some use Single letters (Keller & Baggiolini, 1954), some use two digits (Zadoks, Chang &
Konzak, 1974) or three digits (Knott, 1987) and others add various punctuation marks such as
periods (Feekes, 1941; Large, 1954) and commas (Sylvester-Bradley, 1985). This can be
confusing for experimenters working on several crops.
The variety of codes causes problems when storing the Information in present-day Computer
S y s t e m s : enough space must be allowed for the widest code and any code validation will
depend on the crop being assessed. For crops without codes a non-standard textual
description must be stored. Retrieving the Information is extremely complicated because of
the difficulty of making comparisons. Some of these problems can be partially overcome with
the latest database Systems.
If descriptions of growth stages were to be standardised they would have the same meaning
in any language. Computer Systems could then use the codes to look up a Standard description
in the Computer user's language. In practice many people remember the meaning of
frequently-used codes and do not need the füll description. A Single set of codes makes this
short-cut easier.
There is a need for a universal scale using a consistent set of numeric codes which can be
readily adapted to all crops. The scale described here was developed jointly by BASF, Bayer,
Ciba-Geigy and Hoechst to meet this need (Bleiholder, Van den Boom, Langelüddeke &
Stauss, 1989). It is to be referred to as the BBCH scale and its associated decimal code as the
BBCH code. A slightly different earlier version of the general scale has already been
published (Bleiholder et al., 1990). The details of the use of the scale for weeds are not covered
here but will be published later.
The general BBCH scale
The BBCH scale is a unified system of many growth stage scales which allows the
description of the growth stages of most crops and weeds. Because of their different
development, the general BBCH scale distinguishes between monocotyledones, dicotyledones, perennial plants, gramineae and vegetatively propagated plants. Within this general
framework more specific scales may be constructed for individual crops and weeds. The
specific scales only add details to the general scale; they do not change it and therefore remain
comparable. Where no specific scale yet exists the general scale may be used.
The BBCH scale generally refers to Stands or populations of plants and not individuals. An
average growth stage is recorded at the Start of stages such as flowering where the first
occurrence may be particularly important. This emphasis is to make the scale more useful in
practical agriculture. The scale refers to the main stem of plants, not side shoots, unless stated
otherwise.
The timing of most agricultural operations on crops may be easily expressed in the BBCH
scale but some very precise, crop-specific or usage-dependant timings such as for vegetable
harvesting are not covered. The application of chemicals to seed before sowing is covered but
applications to the soil before the crop is sown or planted are not included because they are
unrelated to the growth of the crop.
Like the cereal scale of Zadoks et al. (1974) and many others published since, the BBCH
scale consists of principal growth stages divided into more specific secondary stages. It is
designed to be sufficiently flexible to describe the development of many important crops and
weeds. The general scale is shown in Table 1.
^
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
563
Principal growth stages
In order to provide a uniform code applicable to a wide ränge of plant species it is necessary
to use very general development criteria. These criteria have been chosen to make the scale
most convenient for the usual agricultural uses of the crops. Some biological rigour has been
sacrificed in favour of general utility.
For example, germination of plants from true seed, sprouting of vegetative propagules and
bud bursting of perennials are put into one principal growth stage. These are completely
different development stages but are in most cases phenologically analogous. For perennial
plants, the same stage numbers may be used to describe their growth from seed and their
annual regrowth. In such cases, the intended meaning of the scale must be indicated.
The development of harvestable vegetative plant parts and vegetative propagules such as
swollen stems, hypocotyls, roots, tubers, rhizomes, corms and bulbs is covered by growth stage
4, which is also used for booting in cereals. This stage does not cover the development of
leaves, even if they are to be harvested; it is intended for vegetative plant organs not covered
by other parts of the scale. Reproductive organs which develop in parallel with or after the
harvestable vegetative organs (including for seed production) are dealt with by growth stages
beyond 4.
Füll maturity of seeds or fruit has been included in growth stage 8. In this way stage 9 can be
used for senescence.
Secondary growth stages
The secondary growth stages provide the details specific to groups of plants with similar
growth patterns. Species which develop similarly are generally covered by the same scale
using the same dehnitions.
The secondary codes have been chosen so that, where possible, they correspond to ordinal
numbers or percentage values indicating the degree of development within the principal stage.
For example the code " N 3 " could represent:
• 3rd true leaf, 3rd tiller, 3rd node or
• 30% of the final length or size typical of the species or
• 30% flowers open or 30% plants in flower.
Where the number of items such as leaves or internodes gives an adequate description of the
plant these items are counted. However, counting is not generally useful for processes such as
flowering or the growth in size of fruits and seeds; a measure of the degree of completion of the
process is required. This implies that the final number of flowers or size of fruit be known at
the time of assessment. Clearly it is not possible to predict the future precisely for any
individual plant or even crop but an experienced technician will know the expected (average)
Performance of a species or cultivar under a ränge of growth conditions. The scale has been
designed with this in mind and has a maximum resolution of only ten percent and sometimes
twenty percent for more difficult growth stages.
This criterion is, for many crops, the most reasonable way of assessing development. The
method is already used for oilseed rape (Sylvester-Bradley, 1985) where percentages of
"Potential pods" are estimated. Other scales (Knott, 1987, 1990) concentrate on the first
occurrence of some qualitative measure such as a feature of fruit morphology; this is less
agriculturally useful because it is unrepresentative of the plant or crop as a whole.
Within principal growth stages that are counted or measured secondary code 9 represents
the ninth, 90% etc. or more. The code thus does not distinguish between nine and more than
nine plant parts or between 90% completion and füll completion of a principal stage. This is
unlikely to be a problem as later growth stages generally become more important. The Zadoks
cereal code (Zadoks et al., 1974) makes a similar use of secondary code 9 for leaves and tillers.
Within principal growth stages that are not counted or measured, such as germination.
564
PETER D. LANCASHIRE ET AL.
secondary code 9 represents completion of the stage.
When counting plant parts it is important to have a rule for deciding when to count an item.
This requirement causes most problems with leaves and nodes. The BBCH scale uses the
existing dehnitions of a leaf and node in the temperate cereals (Tottman & Broad, 1987) but
extends them for other crops. The leaf of a dicotyledonous plant should be counted when it
has become visibly separated from the terminal bud. The associated intemode (below)
foUows the same rule. Leaves are counted singly unless they are in pairs or whorls visibly
separated by an internode, when they are counted as pairs or whorls. In any one species leaves
are always counted in the same way.
For crops producing harvestable vegetative plant parts harvest is usually reached at stage
49. Growth stage 89 indicates the end of the reproductive phase of development, when fruit
and seeds are fully mature and are normally harvested. Stage 99 represents the harvested
product and is to be used for post-harvest treatments. Seed-treatment takes place at stage 00.
Some growth stages may overlap or be absent in some species. When two stages overlap,
the Code for the more advanced stage should be used in most cases, where it will describe the
State of the plant adequately. For example, in cereals main shoot elongation occurs before all
the leaves are visible. In some circumstances it may be necessary to record more than one
growth stage of a plant to give an adequate description of its morphology. For example, the
number of tillers produced by graminaceous plants is variable and may be of interest during
and after the later growth stage of stem elongation. Zadoks et al. (1974) also recommended
that tiller numbers be used as supplementary Information. If harvestable vegetative plant
parts are formed during the reproductive growth phase of a plant or if they are the main
subject of interest the vegetative stage is recorded concurrently with the reproductive growth
stage.
The BBCH code
The Code for the BBCH scale uses two decimal digits to represent the principal and
secondary growth stages. Where supplementary Information is not needed a Single two-digit
code may be used. For many crops it can be useful to have additional Information in a
concurrent growth stage. In this case the füll decimal code consists of two groups of two digits.
The more advanced (higher-coded) stage should appear first even if the lower-numbered stage
is of more interest in a particular case. This ensures consistent comparability between codes.
Although the code is represented as a zero-padded cardinal number it should not be inferred
that it has the usual arithmetic properties of cardinal numbers. The scale and its code have
been designed so that the arithmetic value of the code increases as the plant develops. The
arithmetic difference between codes has no meaning. The codes thus define an ordinal
number scale, not an interval scale.
The only useful mathematical Operation that may be performed on the codes is comparison:
an arithmetically greater code indicates a plant at a later growth stage. Sorting codes into
numerical order will thus sort into order of plant development. The zero padding ensures that
character sorting on a Computer (provided its uses the ASCII or EBCDIC infernal codes for
characters) will give the same result. When using supplementary codes, growth stages should
be sorted by the first code (higher-numbered). The supplementary code may optionally be
used as a secondary sorting key.
The BBCH scale in specific crops
The general BBCH scale may be applied as it is but for most crops more specific detail is
required. In particular the BBCH scale must be related to existing scales and to descriptions
of developmental stages peculiar to particular crops. The growth stages of some crop plants
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
565
have already been described in specific BBCH scales (Witzenberger, Van den Boom & Hack,
1989; Weber & Bleiholder, 1990). Others, including weeds, are in preparation. Some
examples for crops grown in Britain and Europe are presented below. The scale and codes for
graminaceous crops (temperate cereals, rice and maize) is presented in Table 2; dicotyledonous crops are shown in Table 3. Comparisons with existing codes are shown in the tables at
the right of each column. Codes in brackets indicate approximate correspondence.
Temperate cereals and rice
The BBCH scale is designed to be as similar as possible to the widely-used Zadoks scale
(Zadoks et al., 1974) for temperate cereals (wheat {Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum
vulgäre), oats (Avena sativa), rye {{Seeale cereale) and triticale) and rice {Oryza sativa)). The
only minor but important differences are at the end of the scale, where Zadoks code 91
(caryopsis hard) is coded 89. Zadoks code 94 (straw dead and collapsing) is coded 97. The
Zadoks seed codes (95 - 99) are not present in the BBCH scale, which has a new meaning for
99: harvested product (used for post-harvest treatments). These minor changes are necessary
to accommodate other crops in the BBCH scale in a consistent manner. Ripening is entirely
within principal growth stage 8 and code 89 is fully ripe. The BBCH scale uses principal
growth stage 9 for senescence.
Unlike the Zadoks scale, the BBCH scale does not cover the transplanting of rice as this is
an agronomic practice and not a growth stage. The distinction between synchronous and nonsynchronous flowering is not made in the BBCH scale. Where this is important a
supplementary code may be used.
The designation of nodes in temperate cereals follows that of Tottman & Broad (1987). It is
generally easier to identify nodes if the stem is split along its length. Dissection is always
necessary to recognise growth stage 30, which requires measurement of the distance of the top
of the developing inflorescence above the tillering node.
The BBCH scale and the equivalent Zadoks et al. (1974) codes are shown in Table 2. The
growth stages of cereals and rice are illustrated in Figs 1 and 2.
A comparison of the BBCH scale with a scale in use in West Germany (Anon., 1979) has
been published by Witzenberger et al. (1989).
Maize
Growth stages of maize have been previously described by Hanway (1963, 1970). The
BBCH scale includes similar growth stages but codes them diff'erently. There is more detail in
the BBCH scale at all stages up to cob ripening. The growth stages are shown in Table 3 and
illustrated in Fig. 3.
Oilseed rape
The Sylvester-Bradley (Sylvester-Bradley, Makepeace & Broad, 1984; Sylvester-Bradley,
1985) scale is generally used for oilseed rape {Brassica napus L. subsp. napus) growth stages in
Britain at present. The two scales generally recognise similar phases in the growth of the
oilseed rape plant but code them in diff'erent ways. The BBCH scale applies to the main stem
of the plant except where stated otherwise.
The maximum number of leaves that can be accurately represented by the BBCH scale is
eight. Code 19 represents nine or more leaves. Although the Sylvester-Bradley scale allows
for more than nine leaves, in practice leaves decay or fall and there has been difläculty in
counting leaf scars (Sylvester-Bradley, 1985). Counting large numbers of leaves in a crop of
rather indeterminate growth habit such as oilseed rape probably gives little useful information
about the developmental stage of the plant. Stem elongation stages generally supersede leaf
growth before leaf counting becomes a problem.
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
565
have already been described in specific BBCH scales (Witzenberger, Van den Boom & Hack,
1989; Weber & Bleiholder, 1990). Others, including weeds, are in preparation. Some
examples for crops grown in Britain and Europe are presented below. The scale and codes for
graminaceous crops (temperate cereals, rice and maize) is presented in Table 2; dicotyledonous crops are shown in Table 3. Comparisons with existing codes are shown in the tables at
the right of each column. Codes in brackets indicate approximate correspondence.
Temperate cereals and rice
The BBCH scale is designed to be as similar as possible to the widely-used Zadoks scale
(Zadoks et al., 1974) for temperate cereals (wheat {Triticum aestivum), barley {Hordeum
vulgäre), oats {Avena sativa), rye {{Seeale cereale) and triticale) and rice {Oryza sativa)). The
only minor but important differences are at the end of the scale, where Zadoks code 91
(caryopsis hard) is coded 89. Zadoks code 94 (straw dead and collapsing) is coded 97. The
Zadoks seed codes (95 - 99) are not present in the BBCH scale, which has a new meaning for
99: harvested product (used for post-harvest treatments). These minor changes are necessary
to accommodate other crops in the BBCH scale in a consistent manner. Ripening is entirely
within principal growth stage 8 and code 89 is fully ripe. The BBCH scale uses principal
growth stage 9 for senescence.
Unlike the Zadoks scale, the BBCH scale does not cover the transplanting of rice as this is
an agronomic practice and not a growth stage. The distinction between synchronous and nonsynchronous flowering is not made in the BBCH scale. Where this is important a
supplementary code may be used.
The designation of nodes in temperate cereals follows that of Tottman & Broad (1987). It is
generally easier to identify nodes if the stem is split along its length. Dissection is always
necessary to recognise growth stage 30, which requires measurement of the distance of the top
of the developing inflorescence above the tillering node.
The BBCH scale and the equivalent Zadoks et al. (1974) codes are shown in Table 2. The
growth stages of cereals and rice are illustrated in Figs 1 and 2.
A comparison of the BBCH scale with a scale in use in West Germany (Anon., 1979) has
been published by Witzenberger et al. (1989).
Maize
Growth stages of maize have been previously described by Hanway (1963, 1970). The
BBCH scale includes similar growth stages but codes them differently. There is more detail in
the BBCH scale at all stages up to cob ripening. The growth stages are shown in Table 3 and
illustrated in Fig. 3.
Oilseed rape
The Sylvester-Bradley (Sylvester-Bradley, Makepeace & Broad, 1984; Sylvester-Bradley,
1985) scale is generally used for oilseed rape {Brassica napus L. subsp. napus) growth stages in
Britain at present. The two scales generally recognise similar phases in the growth of the
oilseed rape plant but code them in different ways. The BBCH scale applies to the main stem
of the plant except where stated otherwise.
The maximum number of leaves that can be accurately represented by the BBCH scale is
eight. Code 19 represents nine or more leaves. Although the Sylvester-Bradley scale allows
for more than nine leaves, in practice leaves decay or fall and there has been difficulty in
counting leaf scars (Sylvester-Bradley, 1985). Counting large numbers of leaves in a crop of
rather indeterminate growth habit such as oilseed rape probably gives little useful information
about the developmental stage of the plant. Stem elongation stages generally supersede leaf
growth before leaf counting becomes a problem.
PETER D. LANCASHIRE ET AL.
566
The BBCH scale, like the Sylvester-Bradley scale, uses the number of internodes to measure
stem elongation. The BBCH scale counts only visible extended intemodes; ignoring those at
the base of the plant, which are very short and difficult to distinguish (Sylvester-Bradley,
1985). Generally, bud development stages rapidly supersede stem elongation.
Both bud development and flowering stages are very similar in the Sylvester-Bradley and
BBCH scales. Seed and pod development are however combined in the BBCH scale as in
practice they occur concurrently. Table 3 shows the BBCH scale compared with the
Sylvester-Bradley (1985) scale. The growth stages are illustrated in Fig. 4.
Faba beans
A Standard scale for field and broad beans (Vicia faba L.) in Britain is that produced by
ADAS (Anon., 1976). It describes the main stages of growth only and has little detail. Nodes
are counted instead of leaves to avoid the problem of the numbers of leaflets per node varying
up the plant. The ADAS scale makes provision for the recording of numbers of racemes with
pods whereas the BBCH scale uses the percentage of fuUy-developed pods.
Knott (1990) has recently published a scale with illustrations for field beans. This is similar
to the scale for peas (Knott, 1987), using a three digit code. The BBCH scale is similar as far as
flowering, except that it counts internodes instead of nodes and does not allow for the precise
recording of more than eight intemodes. In practice flowering often occurs before eight
internodes have formed. In the BBCH scale pod Formation is described as a percentage of
pods formed whereas the Knott scale uses qualitative descriptions of the State of the first pods.
The later ripening stages and plant senescence are more finely distinguished in the Knott
scale. Table 3 shows the BBCH scale compared with the Knott (1990) scale.
Peas
The Standard growth stage scale in use for peas {Pisum sativum L.) in Britain is that of Knott
(1987). The BBCH scale diff"ers from the Knott scale in that it uses the number of extended
internodes instead of the number of nodes. In practice the two methods are virtually
equivalent. The scale leaves, which develop first, are difficult to see and are frequently eaten
or lost; they are given the code 10.
The BBCH scale departs from the Knott scale in that it is based less on the first stem, flower
or pod but gives the approximate proportion of the whole main stem at each growth stage.
There is slightly less detail at the pod filling stage but, as Knott states, pod Alling differs in
cultivars with and without parchment. Table 3 shows the BBCH scale compared w i t h the
Knott (1987) scale.
Sunflowers
There is no Standard growth stage scale for sunflowers in use in Britain, largely because
sunflowers are rarely grown. Sunflower growth stages are described by Böhm, Freidt,
Lindemann & Meier (1988), Schneiter & Miller (1981) and Siddiqui, Brown & Allen (1975).
The Schneiter & Miller (1981) scale is a more detailed version of Siddiqui et al. (1975) but is
described and coded differently. The method of counting leaves is also different.
The BBCH scale is similar to that of Schneiter & Miller (1981) but has more detail at the
germination stage. It uses the same method of counting leaves singly. The first leaves of
sunflower are in pairs but later leaves gradually develop an altemate pattern. The transition
between these arrangements is indistinct, varies between cultivars and is affected by growing
conditions. Schneiter & Miller (1981) count a leaf if it is 4 cm or more long; the BBCH scale
counts leaves if they are visibly separated from the terminal bud.
Schneiter & Miller (1981) use the area of the disc in flower; this is difficult to estimate
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
567
directly. The BBCH scale divides the disc radially into thirds, which are easier to assess. The
two scales are related by a simple function. The BBCH scale is shown in Table 3 and
illustrated in Fig. 5.
Conclusion
The objective in devising the BBCH scale is to bring more order to the use of growth stage
scales in crops and weeds. It has been necessary to make compromises in the design of the
scale: including all the subtle details of the growth of every crop and weed in one scale would
produce an impossibly cumbersome System. Something must be left out. The researcher who
works in great detail on one or two crops will probably find these omissions intolerable. Those
who must work on several crops may find the small loss of detail an acceptable price to pay for
a Single scale that is uniform, simple to remember and capable of being used in the imperfect
and limited Computer Systems currently in use.
If this objective is to be achieved the scale needs to be widely adopted throughout the world.
The scale has already been described in German (Bleiholder et al, 1989; Weber & Bleiholder,
1990; Witzenberger et al., 1989). Publications in French, Portuguese and Spanish are
expected.
It is possible that changes to the BBCH scale will be required in the light of experience. A
mechanism for implementing these changes has not yet been agreed but the international
nature of the scale indicates that an Organisation such as EPPO (European and Mediterranean
Plant Protection Organisation) may be appropriate. Comments and suggestions should be
addressed to the authors for the present.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank David Tottman and the anonymous referees of this paper who
provided much helpful criticism of the first draft. We are grateful to David Tottman for
permission to base parts of Fig. 1 on drawings in Tottman & Broad (1987).
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{Received 17 April 1990)
Table 1. BBCH growth stage scale - general
0 Germination, sprouting, bud development
BBCH
code
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Monocotyledones
Dry seed
Gramineae
Dry seed (caryopsis)
Beginning of seed imbibition
Beginning of seed imbibition
Seed imbibition complete
Seed imbibition complete
Seed imbibition complete
Radicle (root) emerged from seed
Radicle (root) emerged from seed
Elongation of radicle, formation
of root hairs and/or lateral roots
Hypocotyl with cotyledons or
shoot breaking through seed coat
Hypocotyl with cotyledons
growing towards soil surface
Emergence: cotyledons break
through soil surface (except
hypogeal germination)
Elongation of radicle, formation
of root hairs and/or lateral roots
Coleoptile emerged from
caryopsis
Radicle (root) emerged from
caryopsis
Elongation of radicle, formation
of root hairs and/or lateral roots
Coleoptile emerged from
caryopsis
Emergence: coleoptile breaks
through soil surface
Emergence: coleoptile breaks
through soil surface
Dicotyledones
Dry seed
Beginning of seed imbibition
Seed dressing takes place at stage 00.
Perennial plants
Winter dormancy or resting
period
Beginning of bud swelling
End of bud swelling
Perennating organs forming roots
Beginning of sprouting or budbreaking
Shoot growing towards soil
surface
Buds show green tips
1 Leaf development (main shoot)
BBCH
Code Dicotyledones
10
Cotyledons completely unfolded
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
First true leaf, leaf pair or whorl
unfolded
2 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
3 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
4 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
5 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
6 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
7 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
8 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
9 or more true leaves, leaf pairs or
whorls unfolded
Monocotyledones
First true leaf emerged from
coleoptile
First leaf unfolded
2 leaves unfolded
Gramineae
First true leaf emerged from
coleoptile
First leaf unfolded
2 leaves unfolded
3 leaves unfolded
3 leaves unfolded
4 leaves unfolded
4 leaves unfolded
5 leaves unfolded
5 leaves unfolded
6 leaves unfolded
6 leaves unfolded
7 leaves unfolded
7 leaves unfolded
8 leaves unfolded
8 leaves unfolded
9 or more leaves unfolded
9 or more leaves unfolded
Perennial plants
First true leaf, leaf pair or whorl
unfolded
2 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
3 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
4 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
5 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
6 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
7 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
8 true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls
unfolded
9 or more true leaves, leaf pairs or
whorls unfolded
Tillering, side shoot development or stem elongation may occur at an earlier stage side shoots may not be formed at all: in this case continue with stages
21 or31.
These codes are often used as supplementary codes.
2 Formation of side shoots, tillering
BBCH
code
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Dicotyledones
No side shoots
First side shoot visible
2 side shoots visible
3 side shoots visible
4 side shoots visible
5 side shoots visible
6 side shoots visible
7 side shoots visible
8 side shoots visible
9 or more side shoots visible
Monocotyledones
No side shoots
First side shoot visible
2 side shoots visible
3 side shoots visible
4 side shoots visible
5 side shoots visible
6 side shoots visible
7 side shoots visible
8 side shoots visible
9 or more side shoots visible
These codes are often used as supplementary codes.
Gramineae
No tillers
First tiller visible
2 tillers visible
3 tillers visible
4 tillers visible
5 tillers visible
6 tillers visible
7 tillers visible
8 tillers visible
9 or more tillers visible
Perennial plants
No side shoots
First side shoot visible
2 side shoots visible
3 side shoots visible
4 side shoots visible
5 side shoots visible
6 side shoots visible
7 side shoots visible
8 side shoots visible
9 or more side shoots visible
1
8
3 Stem elongation or rosette growth, shoot development (main shoot)
BBCH
code Dicotyledones
Beginning of stem elongation
30
(rosette growth)
Stem (rosette) 10% of final length
31
(diameter) or 1 node detectable
Stem (rosette) 20% of final length
32
(diameter) or 2 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 30% of final length
33
(diameter) or 3 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 40% of final length
34
(diameter) or 4 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 50% of final length
35
(diameter) or 5 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 60% of final length
36
(diameter) or 6 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 70% of final length
37
(diameter) or 7 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 80% of final length
38
(diameter) or 8 nodes detectable
Maximum stem length or rosette
39
diameter reached or 9 or more
nodes detectable
Monocotyledones
Beginning of stem elongation
(rosette growth)
Stem (rosette) 10% of final length
(diameter) or 1 node detectable
Stem (rosette) 20% of final length
(diameter) or 2 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 30% of final length
(diameter) or 3 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 40% of final length
(diameter) or 4 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 50% of final length
(diameter) or 5 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 60% of final length
(diameter) or 6 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 70% of final length
(diameter) or 7 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 80% of final length
(diameter) or 8 nodes detectable
Maximum stem length or rosette
diameter reached or 9 or more
nodes detectable
Gramineae
Beginning of stem elongation
1 node detectable
2 nodes detectable
3 nodes detectable
4 nodes detectable
5 nodes detectable
6 nodes detectable
7 nodes detectable
8 nodes detectable
9 or more nodes detectable
Perennial plants
Beginning of stem elongation
(rosette growth)
Stem (rosette) 10% of final length
(diameter) or 1 node detectable
Stem (rosette) 20% of final length
(diameter) or 2 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 30% of final length
(diameter) or 3 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 40% of final length
(diameter) or 4 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 50% of final length
(diameter) or 5 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 60% of final length
(diameter) or 6 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 70% of final length
(diameter) or 7 nodes detectable
Stem (rosette) 80% of final length
(diameter) or 8 nodes detectable
Maximum stem length or rosette
diameter reached or 9 or more
nodes detectable
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4 Development of harvestable vegetative plant parts, booting (main shoot)
BBCH
code
Dicotyledones
40
41
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
begin to develop
42
43
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
have reached 30% of final size
44
45
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
have reached 50% of final size
46
47
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
have reached 70% of final size
48
49
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
have reached final size
Monocotyledones
Gramineae
Perennial plants
Harvestable vegetative plant parts Flag leaf sheath extending
begin to develop
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
begin to develop
Harvestable vegetative plant parts Flag leaf sheath just visibly
swollen (mid-boot)
have reached 30% of final size
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
have reached 30% of final size
Harvestable vegetative plant parts Flag leaf sheath swollen (late
have reached 50% of final size
boot)
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
have reached 50% of final size
Harvestable vegetative plant parts Flag leaf sheath opening
have reached 70% of final size
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
have reached 70% of final size
Harvestable vegetative plant parts First awns visible (in awned
forms)
have reached final size
Harvestable vegetative plant parts
have reached final size
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5 Inflorescence emergence (main slioot)
BBCH
Code
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
Dicotyledones
Monocotyledones
Gramineae
Perennial plants
Inflorescence or flower buds
visible
Inflorescence or flower buds
visible
Beginning of heading
Inflorescence or flower buds
visible
First individual flowers visible
(still closed)
First individual flowers visible
(still closed)
Half of inflorescence emerged
(middle of heading)
First individual flowers visible
(still closed)
First flower petals visible (in
petalled forms)
First flower petals visible (in
petalled forms)
Inflorescence fully emerged (end
of heading)
First flower petals visible (in
petalled forms)
6 Flowering (main shoot)
BBCH
code
Dicotyledones
60
First flowers open
61
10% of flowers open or 10% of
plants in bloom
62
63
30% of flowers open or 30% of
plants in bloom
64
65
Füll flowering: 50% of flowers
open or 50% of plants in bloom
66
67
Flowering finishing: majority of
petals fallen or dry
68
69
End of flowering: fruit set visible
Monocotyledones
First flowers open
10% of flowers open or 10% of
plants in bloom
Gramineae
First flowers open
10% of flowers open or 10% of
plants in bloom
Perennial plants
First flowers open
10% of flowers open or 10% of
plants in bloom
30% of flowers open or 30% of
plants in bloom
30% of flowers open or 30% of
plants in bloom
30% of flowers open or 30% of
plants in bloom
Füll flowering: 50% of flowers
open or 50% of plants in bloom
Füll flowering: 50% of flowers
open or 50% of plants in bloom
Füll flowering: 50% of flowers
open or 50% of plants in bloom
Flowering finishing: majority of
petals fallen or dry
Flowering finishing: majority of
petals fallen or dry
Flowering finishing: majority of
petals fallen or dry
End of flowering: fruit set visible
End of flowering: fruit set visible
End of flowering: fruit set visible
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7 Development of fruit
BBCH
code
Dicotyledones
70
First fruit visible
71
10% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 10% of
final size
72
73
30% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 30% of
final size
74
75
50% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 50% of
final size
76
77
70% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 70% of
final size
78
79
Nearly all fruits have reached
final size
Monocotyledones
First fruit visible
10% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 10% of
final size
Gramineae
First grains visible
Watery ripe
Perennial plants
First fruit visible
10% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 10% of
final size
30% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 30% of
final size
30% of grains have reached final
size or grain has reached 30% of
final size
30% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 30% of
final size
50% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 50% of
final size
Milky ripe
50% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 50% of
final size
70% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 70% of
final size
70% of grains have reached final
size or grain has reached 70% of
final size
70% of fruits have reached final
size or fruit has reached 70% of
final size
Nearly all fruits have reached
final size
Nearly all fruits have reached
final size
Nearly all fruits have reached
final size
8 Ripening or maturity of fruit and seed
BBCH
Code
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
Dicotyledones
Beginning of ripening or fruit
colouration
Monocotyledones
Beginning of ripening or fruit
colouration
Gramineae
Beginning of ripening or fruit
colouration
Perennial plants
Beginning of ripening or fruit
colouration
Advanced ripening or fruit
colouration
Advanced ripening or fruit
colouration
Dough stage
Advanced ripening or fruit
colouration
Fruit begins to soften (species
with fleshy fruit)
Fruit begins to soften (species
with fleshy fruit)
Fully ripe; fruit is fuUy-ripe
colour, beginning of fruit
abscission
Fully ripe; fruit is fuUy-ripe
colour, beginning of fruit
abscission
Fruit begins to soften (species
with fleshy fruit)
Fully ripe; fruit is fuUy-ripe
colour, beginning of fruit
abscission
Fully ripe; fruit is fuUy-ripe
colour, beginning of fruit
abscission
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9 Senescence, beginning of dormancy
BBCH
code Dicotyledones
90
91
-
Monocotyledones
Gramineae
Perennial plants
-
-
92
-
-
Shoot development completed,
foliage still green
-
Leaves begin to change colour or
fall
Leaves begin to change colour or
fall
93
-
Leaves begin to change colour or Leaves begin to change colour or
fall
fall
94
95
50% of leaves discoloured or fallen 50% of leaves discoloured or fallen
96
97
End of leaf fall, plants or above
End of leaf fall, plants or above
ground parts dead or dormant
ground parts dead or dormant
98
99
Harvested product
Harvested product
Post-harvest or storage treatment is applied at stage 99.
50% of leaves discoloured or fallen 50% of leaves discoloured or fallen
End of leaf fall, plants or above
ground parts dead or dormant
Plant resting or dormant
Harvested product
Harvested product
1}
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Uniform decimal growth stage codes
579
Table 2. BBCH growth stage scale - cereals, rice and maize
0 Germination
BBCH
Code
00
01
02
03
Cereals
Dry seed (caryopsis)
00
Beginning of imbibition 01
Rice
Dry seed (caryopsis)
00
Beginning of imbibition 01
Maize
Dry seed (caryopsis)
Beginning of imbibition
Imbibition complete
Imbibition complete
04
05
-
Imbibition complete (pigeon
breast)
03
06
07
08
09
03
Radicle emerged from
05
caryopsis
Radicle elongated, root hairs
and/or side roots visible
Coleoptile emerged from
07
caryopsis
-
Emergence: coleoptile
penetrates soil surface
(cracking stage)
(09)
Seed treatment takes place at stage 00.
-
Radicle emerged from
05
caryopsis
Radicle elongated, root hairs
and/or side roots visible
Coleoptile emerged from
caryopsis (in water-rice 07
stage occurs before stage
05)
07
-
Imperfect leaf emerges (still
roUed) at the tip of the
coleoptile
(09)
0
-
Radicle emerged from caryopsis
Radicle elongated, root hairs
and/or side roots visible
Coleoptile emerged from
caryopsis
-
Emergence: coleoptile penetrates
soil surface (cracking stage) 1
1 Leaf development
BBCH
code Cereals
Rice
Maize
First leaf through
Imperfect leaf unrolled, tip of
10
First leaf through coleoptile
10
coleoptile
first true leaf visible
10
11
First leaf unfolded
11
First leaf unfolded
11
First leaf unfolded
2
12
2 leaves unfolded
12
2 leaves unfolded
12
2 leaves unfolded
3
13
3 leaves unfolded
13
3 leaves unfolded
13
3 leaves unfolded
14
4 leaves unfolded
14
4 leaves unfolded
14
4 leaves unfolded
4
15
5 leaves unfolded
15
5 leaves unfolded
15
5 leaves unfolded
16
6 leaves unfolded
16
6 leaves unfolded
16
6 leaves unfolded
17
7 leaves unfolded
17
7 leaves unfolded
17
7 leaves unfolded
18
8 leaves unfolded
18
8 leaves unfolded
18
8 leaves unfolded
5
19
9 or more leaves unfolded 19
9 or more leaves unfolded 19
9 or more leaves unfolded (6)
A leaf may be described as unfolded when its ligule is visible or the tip of the next leaf is visible (Tottman, 1977).
Tillering or stem elongation may occur earlier than stage 19; in this case continue with stages 21 or 30.
The number of leaves may be retained as a supplementary code.
580
PETER D. LANCASHIRE ET AL.
2 Tillering
BBCH
code Cereals
Rice
20
No tillers
20
No tillers
20
Beginning of tillering first
Beginning of tillering first
21
tiller detectable
tiller detectable
21
21
22
2 tillers detectable
22
2 tillers detectable
22
23
3 tillers detectable
23
3 tillers detectable
23
24
4 tillers detectable
24
4 tillers detectable
24
25
5 tillers detectable
25
5 tillers detectable
25
26
6 tillers detectable
26
6 tillers detectable
26
27
7 tillers detectable
27
7 tillers detectable
27
28
8 tillers detectable
28
8 tillers detectable
28
End of tillering: 9 or more
End of tillering: Maximum no.
29
tillers detectable
of tillers detectable
29
If stem elongation begins before the 29end of tillering continue with stage 30.
The number of tillers may be retained as a supplementary code.
3 Stem elongation
BBCH
code
Cereals
30
Beginning of stem elongation:
pseudostem and tillers erect,
first intemode begins to
elongate, top of inflorescence
at least 1 cm above tillering
node
30
31
First node at least 1 cm above
tillering node
31
32
Node 2 at least 2 cm above
node 1
32
33
Node 3 at least 2 cm above
node 2
33
34
Node 4 at least 2 cm above
node 3
34
35
36
37
Node 5 at least 2 cm above
node 4
35
Node 6 at least 2 cm above
node 5
36
Flag leaf just visible, still
roUed
37
Rice
Panicle Initiation or green ring
stage: Chlorophyll accumulates
in the stem tissue, forming a
green ring
(30)
Maize
-
-
-
-
Maize
Beginning of stem elongation
First node detectable
Panicle formation: panicle 1-2
mm in length
2 nodes detectable
3 nodes detectable
Intemode elongation or
jointing stage: intemodes
begin to elongate, panicle more
than 2 mm long (varietydependent)
(31/32)
4 nodes detectable
5 nodes detectable
6 nodes detectable
Flag leaf just visible, still
roUed, panicle moving
upwards
37
7 nodes detectable
8 nodes detectable
Flag
leaf
stage:
flag
leaf
Flag leaf stage: flag leaf fully
9 or more nodes detectable
unfolded, collar regions
unrolled, ligule just visible 39
(auricle and ligule) of flag leaf
and penultimate leaf aligned
(pre-boot stage)
39
In maize, tassel emergence may occur earlier than stage 39. In this case continue with principal stage 5.
These codes may be used for supplementary information.
38
39
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
4 Booting
BBCH
code
Cereals
40
Early boot stage: flag leaf
41
sheath extending
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
581
Maize
Rice
41
Early boot stage: upper part of
stem slightly thickened, sheath
of flag leaf about 5 cm out of
penultimate leaf sheath 41
Mid boot stage: flag leaf
sheath just visibly swollen 43
Mid boot stage: sheath of flag
leaf 5-10 cm out of the
penultimate leaf sheath 43
Late boot stage: flag leaf
sheath swollen
45
Late boot stage: flag leaf
sheath swoUen, sheath of flag
leaf more than 10 cm out of
penultimate leaf sheath 45
Flag leaf sheath opening 47
Flag leaf sheath opening 47
First awns visible (in awned
forms only)
49
Flag leaf sheath open
49
5 Inflorescence emergence, heading
BBCH
code
Cereals
50
Beginning of heading: tip of
51
inflorescence emerged from
sheath, first spikelet just
visible
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
Rice
Maize
Beginning of panicle
emergence: tip of inflorescence
emerged from sheath
51
Beginning of tassel emergence:
tassel detectable at top of stem
30% of panicle emerged 53
Tip of tassel visible
Middle of heading: half of
inflorescence emerged 55
Middle of panicle emergence:
neck node stiU in sheath 55
Middle of tassel emergence;
middle of tassel begins to
separate
70% of inflorescence
emerged
70% of panicle emerged 57
30% of inflorescence
emerged
53
57
End of heading: inflorescence
fully emerged
59
End of tassel emergence: tassel
End of panicle emergence:
fully emerged and separated
neck node coincides with the
flag leaf auricle, anthers not
yet
visible
59
In rice, flowering usually Starts before stage 55. Continue with principal stage 6.
These codes may be used for supplementary information.
582
PETER D. LANCASHIRE ET AL.
6 Flowering, anthesis
BBCH
Cereals
code
60
Beginning of flowering: first
61
anthers visible
61
Rice
Maize
Beginning of flowering:
anthers visible at top of
panicle
61
(c?) stamens in middle of tassel
visible
( 2 ) tip of ear emerging from
leaf sheath
62
63
64
65
(c?) beginning of poUen
shedding
( $ ) tips of Stigmata visible
Füll flowering: 50% of anthers
mature
65
Füll flowering: anthers visible
on most spikelets
65
66
67
68
69
76
77
78
79
tassel in flower
( $ ) Stigmata fully emerged
(cf) flowering completed
( $ ) Stigmata drying
End of flowering: all spikelets
have completedfloweringbut
some dehydrated anthers may
remain
69
7 Development of fruit
BBCH
code Cereals
70
Watery ripe: first grains have
71
reached half their final
size
71
72
73
74
75
(c?) upper and lower parts of
Early milk
73
End of flowering: all spikelets
have completedfloweringbut
some dehydrated anthers may
remain
69
End of flowering: Stigmata
completely dry
Rice
Maize
Watery ripe: first grains have
reached half their final
size
71
Beginning of grain development
kemels at blister stage, about
16% dry matter
9.1
Early milk
Early milk
73
Medium milk: grain content
milky, grains reached final
size, still green
75
Medium milk: grain content
milky
75
Late milk
Late milk
77
Kemels in middle of cob
yellowish-white, content milky,
about 40% dry matter
77
Nearly all kemels have reached
final size
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
583
8 Ripening
BBCH
code Cereals
80
81
82
Early dough
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
Rice
Maize
83
Early dough: kemel content soft,
about 45% dry matter
9.2
Soft dough: grain content soft
but dry, fingemail Impression
not held
85
Soft dough: grain content soft
but dry, fingemail Impression
not held, grains and glumes
still green
85
Dough stage: kemels yellowish
to yellow, about 55% dry matter
Hard dough: grain content
solid, fingemail Impression
held
87
Hard dough: grain content
solid, fingemail Impression
held
87
Physiological maturity: black
dot/layer visible at base of
kemels, about 60% dry matter
9.3
Fully ripe: grain hard, difficult
to divide with thumbnail 91
Fully ripe: grain hard, diflücult
to divide with thumbnail 91
Fully ripe: kemels hard and
shiny, about 65% dry matter 9.4
Rice
Maize
83
Early dough
9 Senescence
BBCH
Cereals
code
90
91
Over-ripe: grain very hard,
92
cannot be dented by
thumbnail
92
Grains loosening in day93
time
93
94
95
96
97
Plant dead and collapsing 94
98
99
Harvested product
Over-ripe: grain very hard,
cannot be dented by
thumbnail
92
Plant dead and collapsing 94
Plant dead and collapsing
Harvested product
Harvested product
Post-harvest or storage treatment takes place at stage 99.
Growth stage scales included in the table for comparison are: cereals and rice, Zadoks et al (1974); maize,
Hanway (1971).
00
0 Germination
BBCH
code
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Table 3. BBCH growth stage scale - oilseed rape. faba bean, peas and sunflower
Oilseed rape
Dry seed
Beginning of seed imbibition
Seed imbibition complete
Faba bean
Dry seed
000
Beginning of seed imbibition
Seed imbibition complete
001
Radicle emerged from seed 002
Radicle emerged from seed
Hypocotyl with cotyledons
emerged from seed
Hypocotyl with cotyledons
growing towards soil surface
Emergence: cotyledons emerge
through soil surface
(0)
Seed treatment takes place at stage 00.
Shoot emerged from seed (plumule
apparent)
003
Shoot growing towards soil surface
Emergence: shoot emerges through
soil surface
004
Peas
Dry seed
000
Beginning of seed imbibition
Sunflower
Dry seed (achene)
Beginning of seed imbibition
Seed imbibition complete 001
Seed imbibition complete
Radicle emerged from
seed
Radicle emerged from seed
002
Shoot emerged from seed
(plumule apparent)
003
Shoot growing towards soil
surface
Emergence: shoot emerges
through soil surface
004
Radicle elongated, root hairs
developing
Hypocotyl with cotyledons
emerged from seed
Hypocotyl with cotyledons
growing towards soil surface
Emergence: cotyledons emerge
through soil surface
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1 Leaf development
BBCH
code Cotyledons
Oilseed rapecompletely
10
unfolded
First leaf unfolded
11
Faba bean
Pair of scale leaves visible (may be
eaten or lost)
First leaf unfolded
006
Peas
Pair of scale leaves visible (may
be eaten or lost)
1,0
First leaf (with stipules)
1,1
unfolded or first tendril
developed (leafless cultivars)
2 leaves (with stipules) unfolded
12
2 leaves unfolded
1,2
2 leaves unfolded
or 2 tendrils developed (leafless
cultivars)
3 leaves (with stipules) unfolded
13
3 leaves unfolded
1,3
3 leaves unfolded
or 3 tendrils developed (leafless
cultivars)
4
leaves (with stipules) unfolded
14
4 leaves unfolded
1,4
4 leaves unfolded
or 4 tendrils developed (leafless
cultivars)
5 leaves (with stipules) unfolded
15
5 leaves unfolded
1,5
5 leaves unfolded
or 5 tendrils developed (leafless
cultivars)
6 leaves (with stipules) unfolded
16
6 leaves unfolded
1,6
6 leaves unfolded
or 6 tendrils developed (leafless
cultivars)
7 leaves (with stipules) unfolded
17
7 leaves unfolded
1,7
7 leaves unfolded
or 7 tendrils developed (leafless
cultivars)
8 leaves (with stipules) unfolded
1,8
8 leaves unfolded
18
8 leaves unfolded
or 8 tendrils developed (leafless
cultivars)
9 or more leaves (with stipules)
19
9 or more leaves unfolded (1,9 + ) 9 or more leaves unfolded
unfolded or 9 or more tendrils
developed (leafless cultivars)
Stem elongation may occur earlier than stage 19; in this case continue with the next principal stage.
The number of leaves may be retained as a supplementary code
Sunflower
Cotyledons completely unfolded
(VI)
2 leaves (first pair) unfolded
V2
(V3)
4 leaves (second pair) unfolded V4
5 leaves unfolded
V5
6 leaves unfolded
V6
7 leaves unfolded
V7
8 leaves unfolded
V8
9 or more leaves unfolded (V9 +)
1
00
2 Fonnation of side shoots
BBCH
code Oilseed rape
20
No side shoots
21
Beginning of side shoot
development: first side shoot
detectable
22
2 side shoots detectable
23
3 side shoots detectable
24
4 side shoots detectable
25
5 side shoots detectable
26
6 side shoots detectable
27
7 side shoots detectable
28
8 side shoots detectable
29
End of side shoot development:
9 or more side shoots detectable
Faba bean
No side shoots
Beginning of side shoot
development: first side shoot
detectable
2 side shoots detectable
3 side shoots detectable
4 side shoots detectable
5 side shoots detectable
6 side shoots detectable
7 side shoots detectable
8 side shoots detectable
End of side shoot development: 9
or more side shoots detectable
Peas
No side shoots
Beginning of side shoot
development: first side shoot
detectable
2 side shoots detectable
3 side shoots detectable
4 side shoots detectable
5 side shoots detectable
6 side shoots detectable
7 side shoots detectable
8 side shoots detectable
End of side shoot development:
9 or more side shoots detectable
For these crops the number of side shoots is generally not important; use a supplementary code.
Sunflower
m
tn
Zo>
>
m
tn
H
1-
3 Stem elongation
BBCH
code Oilseed rape
30
Beginning of stem elongation:
no internodes ("rosette")
2,0
31
1 visibly extended intemode
32
2 visibly extended intemodes
33
3 visibly extended intemodes
34
4 visibly extended intemodes
35
5 visibly extended intemodes 2,5
36
6 visibly extended intemodes
37
7 visibly extended intemodes
38
8 visibly extended intemodes
39
9 or more visibly extended
internodes
Faba bean
Beginning of stem elongation
Peas
Beginning of stem elongation
Sunflower
Beginning of stem elongation
1 visibly extended intemode 101
2 visibly extended intemodes 102
3 visibly extended intemodes 103
4 visibly extended intemodes 104
5 visibly extended intemodes 105
6 visibly extended intemodes 106
7 visibly extended intemodes 107
8 visibly extended intemodes 108
9 or more visibly extended
(109 + )
intemodes
1 visibly extended intemode 101
2 visibly extended intemodes 102
3 visibly extended intemodes 103
4 visibly extended intemodes 104
5 visibly extended intemodes 105
6 visibly extended intemodes 106
7 visibly extended intemodes 107
8 visibly extended intemodes 108
9 or more visibly extended
intemodes
(109 + )
1 visibly extended intemode
2 visibly extended intemodes
3 visibly extended intemodes
4 visibly extended intemodes
5 visibly extended intemodes
6 visibly extended intemodes
7 visibly extended intemodes
8 visibly extended intemodes
9 or more visibly extended
intemodes
fI
I
3
f
1.
In faba beans and peas the first intemode extends from the scale leaf node to the first true leaf node.
In oilseed rape visibly extended intemode n develops between leaf n and leaf n + 1.
oo
00
00
4 Development of harvestable vegetative plant parts
BBCH
code
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
Oilseed rape
-
Faba bean
For forage rape and peas use other appropriate growth stages.
Peas
Sunflower
?8
>
z
n
>
!0
m
5 Inflorescence emergence
BBCH
Oilseed rape
code
Flower buds present, still
enclosed by leaves
3,1
50
Flower buds visible from above
("green bud")
3,3
51
Flower buds free, level with the
youngest leaves
3,4
52
Flower buds raised above the
53
youngest leaves
3,5
54
55
56
57
58
59
Individual flower buds (main
inflorescence) visible but still
closed
(3,5)
Faba bean
Flower buds present, still enclosed
by leaves
201
First flower buds visible outside
leaves
Peas
Flower buds present, still
enclosed by leaves
201
First flower buds visible outside
leaves
Inflorescence just visible between
youngest leaves
Inflorescence separating from
youngest leaves, bracts
distinguishable from foliage
leaves
Rl
First individual flower buds
visible outside leaves but still
closed
First individual flower buds
visible outside leaves but stiU
closed
202
Oq
5
Inflorescence separated from
youngest foliage leaf
R2
8
Inflorescence clearly separated
from foliage leaves
R3
Individual flower buds
(secondary inflorescences)
visible but still closed
First petals visible, flower buds
still closed ("yellow bud") 3,7
Sunflower
First petals visible, many
individual flower buds, still
closed
First petals visible, many
individual flower buds, still
closed
Ray florets visible between the
bracts, inflorescence still closed R4
00
6 Flowering
BBCH
code Oilseed rape
60
First flowers open
61
10% of flowers on main
open, main raceme
elongating
62
30% of flowers on main
63
open
64
65
66
67
68
69
Sunflower
Faba bean
First flowers open
203
Flowers open on first raceme
Peas
First flowers open
10% of flowers open
Flowers open on 3 racemes per
plant
30% of flowers open
Disc florets in outer third of
inflorescence in bloom (stamens
and Stigmata visible)
R5.3
Füll flowering: 50% of flowers
on main raceme open, older
petals falling
4,5
Füll flowering: flowers open on 5
racemes per plant
FuU flowering: 50% of flowers
open
Füll flowering: discfloretsin
middle third of inflorescence in
bloom (stamens and Stigmata
visible)
R5.5
Flowering declining: majority of
petals fallen
Flowering declining
Flowering declining
Flowering declining: disc florets
in inner third of inflorescence in
bloom (stamens and S t i g m a t a
visible)
R5.9
End of flowering
End of flowering
End of flowering
End of flowering: most disc
florets have finished flowering,
ray florets dry or fallen
R6
4,0
raceme
203
4,1
raceme
4,3
Beginning of flowering: ray florets
extended, disc florets visible in
outer third of inflorescence R5
7 Development of fruit
BBCH
Code Oilseed rape
70
71
10% of pods have reached final
size
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
Faba bean
First pods have reached final
length ("Hat pod")
205
10% of pods have reached final
length
Peas
First pods have reached final
length ("flat pod")
205
10% of pods have reached final
length
30% of pods have reached final
size
5,3
30% of pods have reached final
length
30% of pods have reached final
length
50% of pods have reached final
size
5,5
50% of pods have reached final
length
50% of pods have reached final
length
70% of pods have reached final
size
5,7
70% of pods have reached final
length
70% of pods have reached final
length
Nearly all pods have reached
final size
(5,9)
Nearly all pods have reached final Nearly all pods have reached
length
final
length
Sunflower
Seeds on outer edge of the
inflorescence are grey and have
reached final size
Seeds on outer third of the
inflorescence are grey and have
reached final size
Seeds on middle third of the
inflorescence are grey and have
reached final size
Seeds on inner third of the
inflorescence are grey and have
reached final size
I
8 Ripening
BBCH
code Oilseed rape
80
Beginning of ripening; seed
green, filling pod cavity 6,3
81
10% of pods ripe, seeds black
and hard
(6,4)
Faba bean
Beginning of ripening: seed green,
filling pod cavity
207
10% of pods ripe, seeds black and
hard
301
Peas
Beginning of ripening: seed
green, filling pod cavity 207
30% of pods ripe and dark, seeds
dry and hard
303
30% of pods ripe, seeds final
colour, dry and hard
(301)
10% of pods ripe, seeds final
colour, dry and hard
82
83
30% of pods ripe, seeds black
and hard
84
85
50% of pods ripe, seeds black
and hard
(6,5)
-
50% of pods ripe and dark, seeds
dry and hard
305
87
70% of pods ripe, seeds black
and hard
70% of pods ripe and dark, seeds
dry and hard
307
70% of pods ripe, seeds final
colour, dry and hard
(302)
89
Fully ripe: nearly all pods ripe,
seeds black and hard
(6,9)
Fully ripe: nearly all pods dark,
seed dry and hard
310
Fully ripe: nearly all pods ripe,
seeds final colour, dry and
hard
303
86
50% of pods ripe, seeds final
colour, dry and hard
Sunflower
Beginning of ripening: seeds on
outer edge of anthocarp black and
hard, back of anthocarp still green
Seeds on outer third of anthocarp
black and hard, back of
anthocarp still green
Back of anthocarp yellowishgreen, bracts still green, seeds
about 50% dry matter
R7
r
>
z
n>
Seeds on middle third of
anthocarp black and hard, back
of anthocarp yellow, bracts brown
edged, seeds about 60% dry
matter
R8
Physiological ripeness: back of
the anthocarp yellow, bracts
marbled brown, seeds about 7580% dry matter
R9
Fully ripe: seeds on inner third of
anthocarp black and hard, back
of anthocarp brown, bracts
brown, seeds about 85% dry
matter
70
m
9 Senescence
BBCH
code
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
Oilseed rape
Plant dead and dry
-
99
Harvested product
Peas
Faba bean
Stems begin to darken
Sunflower
Over ripe, seeds over 90% dry
matter
401
Plant dead and dry
Harvested product
410
1
ö
50% of stems brown or black 405
8,9
I
Plant dead and dry
Plant dead and dry
_
-
Harvested product
Harvested product
Post-harvest or storage treatment takes place at stage 99.
Growth stage scales included in the table for comparison are: oilseed rape, Sylvester-Bradley (1985); faba beans, Knott (1990); peas, Knott (1987);
sunflower, Schneiter & Miller (1981).
1
3§
<^
Fig. Ib. Growth stages of cereals (after Tottman & Broad, 1987).
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
47
51
59
Fig. Ic. Growth stages of cereals (after Tottman & Broad, 1987).
Fig. 2a. Growth stages of rice.
65
596
PETER D. LANCASHIRE ET AL.
/
^
\
\
\
1-2 mm
I
I
i
/I3
Fig. 2b. Growth stages of rice.
Fig. 2c. Growth stages of rice.
21
32
32 (detail)
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
Fig. 36. Growth stages of maize.
Fig. 4c. Growth stages of oilseed rape.
600
53
Fig. 5b. Growtii stages of sunflower.
PETER D. LANCASHIRE ET AL.
57
59
61
Uniform decimal growth stage codes
Fig. 5c. Growth stages of sunflower.
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