Phenological growth stages of Feijoa [Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret] according to the BBCH scale under tropical Andean conditions

Abstract

Abstract Acca sellowiana is an important crop and ornamental tree worldwide. The current investigation examines the phenological growth stages of A. sellowiana according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale. We identified six principal growth stages in A. sellowiana, which depict (1) bud development, (2) leaf development, (3) shoot development, (4) flower emergence, (5) flowering and (6) fruit development. Leaf development since bud initiation to mature leaf stage occurs between three to four months. Floral button to full flowering occurs in about eight day period. Anthesis occurs between three to four days since the time of the floral button forms a ball of petals. Two fruit production events occurred yearly and fruits reach maturity by four to five months. The BBCH scale has important applications in the ornamental and crop production industries. The scale can be used in management, production and pest control practices. Environmental factors such as precipitation play an important role in phenological changes. This investigation is sought to expand the current knowledge on the phenology of A. sellowiana which is of interest to the general public, horticulturists, students and researchers.