Phenological coding of Crambe abyssinica Hochst based on the BBCH system

Abstract

Crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) is an oilseed crop domesticated in the Mediterranean region and has become increasingly important worldwide. Crambe is now considered an alternative to bioenergy crops and oleochemicals, because of its acclimatisation capacity under inhospitable conditions. Despite the interest in the agronomical characteristics and applications of this crop, investigations on crambe are still scarce and have only focused on production, without taking into account the phenological stages of this species. Thus, a single criterion to quantify the species’ phenology can be a useful tool for both researchers and growers. In the present study, a proposed scale of the phenological growth stages of crambe under the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) coding system was applied. Growth stages were described using the one- and two-digit decimal coding of the BBCH system and corresponded to, Stage 0: germination; Stage 1: leaf development; Stage 2: lateral sprout formation; Stage 5: inflorescence emergence; Stage 6: flowering; Stage 7: fruit formation; Stage 8: fruit maturation; Stage 9: senescence. Growth stages 3 and 4 (main stem elongation and development of collectable vegetative parts, respectively) were omitted. Figures were included to illustrate the most pertinent stages, and vegetal growth was represented by means of a technical botanical illustration. The BBCH system was efficacious in providing crambe Phenological data, allowing for better growing management practices amid varying climatic conditions, as well as contributing to the standardisation of research methods with this species.