Phenological growth stages of Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) according to the extended BBCH scale

Abstract

Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) is an important fruit crop cultivated in subtropics and tropics for its high nutraceutical value. The present study defines codes and phenological stages of Indian gooseberry (aonla) according to the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale using three-digit numerical system. A total of 8 principal growth stages, viz., bud development, leaf development, shoot development, reproductive development, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturation and senescence and 43 secondary growth stages have been described. The phenology of aonla becomes complex due to the exhibition of phyllanthoid branching and heterogamy. In order to simplify the phenological description, stages of bud development for determinate shoot (branchlet) and indeterminate shoot, and developmental phases of male and female flowers have been defined and described separately as per the extended BBCH scale. The sequential progression of principal growth stages of aonla indicated temporal variation in growth pattern as well as overlapping of some of the phenophases. The extended BBCH scale for aonla has significant importance in crop improvement, germplasm characterization and crop management strategies like management of fruit drop, nutrient and pests, and harvesting of fruits at optimal maturity. The study will not only helpful in assessing the impact of climate on phenology especially on yield attributing parameters but also in evaluating the adaptation potential of genotypes under different agro-climatic conditions.