Phenological growth stages and growing degree days of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] in sub‐temperate climatic zone of North‐Western Himalayan region using BBCH scale

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the phenological stages of peach have been described for the first time according to the BBCH scale (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie) and Baggiolini codes for five cultivars (Pratap, Tropic Snow, Tropic Beauty, Redhaven and July Elberta) in sub‐temperate region of India, which markedly differentiates vegetative and reproductive stages occurring in peach. The growing degree days (GDD) are the best indicators for monitoring the different phenological growth stages and were determined from dormancy breaking to fruit harvest when the cultivars reached maturity. Pratap, Tropic Snow and Tropic Beauty were identified as early‐season maturing with 814 ± 5.10, 996 ± 8.13 and 1004 ± 8.72 GDD, respectively. While, Redhaven was mid‐season cultivar with 1502 ± 16.17 GDD, and July Elberta was the late‐season cultivar with 1894 ± 6.00 GDD. Mid‐season cultivar Redhaven performed better in India's sub‐temperate region, accounting for higher yield (54.87 kg per tree), fruit length: diameter (1.11), TSS (12.26%) and total sugars content (10.26%). The description presented in the paper will act as a tool to provide a consensual unified approach for standardisation of phenological stages in peach and also for various cultural inputs and timely planning of harvesting. Moreover, the BBCH scale will act as a tool to assess the impact of climate change on crop phenology and to evaluate the adaptation of particular peach cultivars to different conditions.