Phenological growth stages of ‘Kanzi’ apple according to the BBCH scale
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59463/h3thfy79Keywords:
BBCH code, phenology, flowering, reproductive stage, climate conditionsAbstract
The accurate identification and codification of phenological growth stages are essential for optimizing management practices in apple orchards. This study presents a detailed phenological characterization of the 'Kanzi' apple cultivar (Malus domestica Borkh.), using the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemical industry) scale. Observations were conducted over two annual growing seasons (2022-2023) in a temperate-climate orchard, monitoring the cultivar’s development from bud dormancy through fruit maturity and post-harvest senescence. Each principal and secondary growth stage was recorded and described with photographic and morphological references, emphasizing cultivar-specific traits such as delayed bud break, condensed flowering period, and firm fruit development. Results showed that 'Kanzi' exhibits unique timing and morphological markers within certain BBCH stages, particularly in flowering (stage 60–69) and fruit development (stage 70–89), when compared to standard cultivars. This codification provides a standardized framework to support research, crop modeling, and precision horticulture practices applied to 'Kanzi' apples.
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