Phenological growth stages of the persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki)

Abstract

Detailed crop-specific descriptions and codes are presented for the growth stages of the persimmon tree, contributing to the standardisation of national and international testing systems in fruit growing. Based on the general BBCH-scale, the codes describe growth stages using a two-digit numerical system and differentiate between principal and secondary growth stages to allow separation of developmental steps. Growth stages for bud, leaf and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development and fruit maturity are described. A feature of the system is that homologous stages of different crops are presented by the same codes.