Phenophase description in dry-season Spondias purpurea L. using a modified version of the BBCH scale

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae Vol. 318; p. 112086
• Main Authors: Cancino-Labra, Samuel, Alia-Tejacal, Irán, Pérez-Arias, Gloria Alicia, Villarreal-Fuentes, Juan Manuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2023
• Subjects: BBCH scale; Climatic conditions; Growth stages; Heat units; Mexican plum; Phenology; Mexican plum; Heat units; Phenology; Climatic conditions; BBCH scale; Growth stages
• ISSN: 0304-4238; 1879-1018
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112086

•Spondias purpurea L. is a tropical fruit consumed in many regions of Latin America.•A modified BBCH scale was used to describe the phenophases in this species.•All phenophases were quantified in terms of days and heat units.•Phenological and climatic data are necessary to improve agronomic management. Spondias purpurea L. is a deciduous tree native to both Mexico and Central America, though its present range also includes other areas in the tropics. As a plant of longstanding ethnobotanical importance, it continues to be appreciated for the sensory and nutritional characteristics of its fruit, which many locals rely on economically. In this study, weekly phenological observations of dry-season S. purpurea L. were made based on the Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemistie (BBCH) scale during one full cycle of production. Overall, 8 main phenological stages reported in terms of days and heat units, as well as 45 secondary stages, were documented and described – with the main ones found to be strongly influenced by various environmental factors. The BBCH scale can therefore be used to describe the phenophases of S. purpurea L. accurately, and – together with climatic conditions – must be considered during the design and implementation of more efficient agronomic practices.