Phenological stages of the pomegranate tree (Punica granatum L)

As in other temperate species, the pomegranate tree shows different phenological characteristics through its vegetative cycle in response to changing temperature. This phenology has been studied as a basis for comparisons of the successive stages of growth and reproduction in different geographical areas and conditions. The variety Mollar de Elche was studied, since it is grown on more than 95% of the total area devoted to this crop in Spain. Thirteen phenological-stages were identified during the annual cycle, starting at bud in dormancy and finishing a year later with leaf fall. These stages are denoted using the BBCH General Scale which uses numerical codes to represent particular stages. The code uses a two-digit number to describe the different phenological states and makes it possible to distinguish between principal and secondary stages of development. The duration of stages was measured in days and as accumulated degree-day.