The phenology of the capuli cherry [Prunus serotina subsp. capuli (Cav.) McVaugh] characterized by the BBCH scale, landmark stages and implications for urban forestry in Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract

Tree phenology describes complex tree growth and developmental processes. Phenological scales are a useful tool for understanding tree growth/establishment and to evaluate tree phenology management practices under urban forestry conditions. Scales such as (1) the BBCH scale (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) and a (2) landmark scale (developed by the authors) were used to characterize the phenological changes occurring in the capuli cherry Prunus serotina subsp. capuli (Cav.) McVaugh growing under tropical conditions in Bogotá, Colombia. The BBCH scale is an applicable tool that describes whole tree canopy phenological events, and the landmark scale is a useful descriptor of individual asynchronous stems, which occur as ephemeral flushes at different portions of the canopy. Our results depicted several principal advantages to using the BBCH scale. The landmark scale described fewer vegetative, reproductive, and fruiting stages when compared to the BBCH scale. The landmark scale included the timing of each stage/event and the BBCH failed to do so. Thus, both scales differ in number of stages, coding system, timing of each individual stage, and synchronous (BBCH scale) vs asynchronous (Landmark scale) events. Both scales are applicable, useful and meaningful to the study site and the field of urban forestry. This study helps to expand our knowledge of the capuli cherry’s phenology and urban forestry applications.