Phenological Growth Stages Based on the BBCH Scale and Thermal Requirements of Spondias dulcis Parkinson
摘要
Spondias dulcis Parkinson is an exotic species with high commercial value due to its nutraceutical and agro-industrial properties. The environmental conditions of crops directly affect the phenological behavior of the plants, with temperature having the most significant effect on inducing phase changes. This study aimed to describe the growth stages of the main phenological stages of Spondias dulcis Parkinson using the BBCH scale and to determine the heat units in degree-days. The study was conducted with 7‑year-old adult plants belonging to Embrapa Roraima. The phenology of the plants was assessed using the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale and the heat unit growing degree-days. The plants exhibited seven of the 10 stages described in the BBCH scale. When grown commercially, S. dulcis plants do not reach stage 9 (senescence). The plants need 3840 degree-days to complete all the growth stages. Understanding the phenological stages will enable standardization of the phenological development of S. dulcis L. and help identify the important stages for planning the necessary cultural practices during its cultivation. Along with the description of the BBCH phenological scale, the unit of cumulative heat was described in degree-days. This parameter can be used to evaluate climate change and test the adaptability of genotypes to different environmental conditions.