BBCH-scale (solaneous fruit)

The BBCH-scale (Solanaceous fruit) is a decimal coding system used to identify and describe the phenological development stages of solanaceous fruit crops. Solanaceous fruits belong to the Solanaceae family, which includes economically important plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes (although the scale typically refers to the above-ground, fruiting portions of these plants).

The BBCH-scale is a standardized system, designed to improve communication and data recording in agricultural research, crop management, and pesticide application. It aims to provide a uniform language for describing plant development across different cultivars, environments, and experimental conditions.

The scale is divided into principal growth stages, indicated by digits 0 to 9, each representing a major developmental phase in the plant's life cycle. Within each principal stage, secondary growth stages (indicated by the second digit) describe specific events or developments.

The principal growth stages for solanaceous fruits are broadly categorized as follows:

• 0: Sprouting/bud development: Refers to the initial emergence of shoots or buds from seeds or tubers.
• 1: Leaf development: Describes the unfolding and expansion of leaves.
• 3: Shoot development: Includes the elongation of stems and the formation of branches.
• 5: Inflorescence emergence: Covers the appearance and development of flower buds.
• 6: Flowering: Describes the opening of flowers and the processes of pollination and fertilization.
• 7: Fruit development: Focuses on the growth and maturation of the fruits.
• 8: Ripening of fruit: Covers the stages of fruit ripening, including changes in color, texture, and flavor.
• 9: Senescence: Describes the aging and decline of the plant.

Each digit from 0-9 in the second position specifies a key milestone within that overall stage. For example, in tomatoes, BBCH 71 describes fruits with a size of about 10% of final size, whereas BBCH 89 describes full ripeness.

The precise definitions for each stage can vary slightly depending on the specific solanaceous fruit species. Detailed descriptions, including visual guides, are often available from agricultural extension services and research institutions. Use of the scale requires careful observation and accurate identification of the specific developmental stage.