Application of extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie scale for phenological studies in longan (Dimocarpus longan)

Extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie scale was applied to achieve precise and normative description of each growth stage of longan. The entire growth cycle of longan was divided into seven primary stages, namely, development of shoots, leaves and branches, formation of inflorescence, flowering, fruit development and maturity. These primary stages were further subdivided into 47 secondary stages. This study focused on the entire fruit development process of longan. The correlation between phenology, temperature and humidity was also discussed. Knowledge of these rules will provide guidance for the implementation of production management measures, including fertilisation, disease and pest control, branch control, flower induction, flower and fruit retention and application of growth regulator. The present findings will also help longan planters to adopt the most appropriate cultivation and management measures according to the climate conditions and growth status of the trees.