The Phenology of Rubus glaucus Benth., Characterized by the BBCH Scale

Abstract

Mora de Castilla (Rubus glaucus Benth.) is an economically important crop from South America. The current chapter aims to characterize the phenology of R. glaucus by the BBCH scale (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) in Bogotá, Colombia. Five stems per plant were tagged to record the phenological changes. Phenological observations were conducted on 12 plants during 2 consecutive years 2015 and 2016. Photographs were taken every 15 days on tagged stems. Best photographs were used in the BBCH scale. The BBCH phenological scale of Mora de Castilla depicted seven principal growth stages. These include principal growth stage 0: sprouting/bud development; principal growth stage 1: leaf development; principal growth stage 3: shoot development; principal growth stage 5: inflorescence emergence; principal growth stage 6: flowering; principal growth stage 7: fruit development; and principal growth stage 8: maturity of fruit and seed. Bud initiation occurred in 1 or 2 weeks. Shoot development was a continuous process throughout the year. Floral bud initiation to bud break takes about 3 weeks. Inflorescence floral opening takes 15 days. Fruit development occurred in 107 days (3 months and 15 days) from fruit set to fully mature fruits. The BBCH scale can be used in commercial orchards for management practices, pest control, and harvest. In the current study, there were no extreme climate changes, and climatic conditions did not affect the phenology of Mora de Castilla. However, climate change conditions have caused drought, hail, and frosts that have impacted R. glaucus production in other regions.