liminfoBBCH Scale Reference
Free reference guide: BBCH Scale Reference
About BBCH Scale Reference
The BBCH Scale Reference is a searchable guide to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) phenological growth stage coding system. It covers all 10 principal stages from germination (Stage 0, codes 00-09) through senescence and dormancy (Stage 9, codes 90-99), providing the standardized two-digit codes used worldwide in agriculture and plant science.
Beyond the principal stages, this reference includes crop-specific BBCH codes for cereals (rice, wheat/barley, maize, soybean), vegetables (tomato, pepper, Chinese cabbage, potato, strawberry), and fruit trees (apple, grape, citrus). Each entry maps BBCH codes to familiar local growth terminology and traditional staging systems like Zadoks for wheat and R/V stages for soybean.
Practical application sections cover observation methods, pesticide spray timing by BBCH code, harvest maturity determination, and Growing Degree Day (GDD) integration, making this a field-ready resource for agronomists, crop consultants, and agricultural researchers.
Key Features
- All 10 BBCH principal growth stages (0-9) with detailed sub-stage codes from 00 to 99
- Crop-specific BBCH tables for rice, wheat, barley, maize, soybean, tomato, pepper, potato, strawberry, apple, grape, and citrus
- Cross-reference with Zadoks scale (wheat/barley) and R/V staging system (soybean)
- Pesticide application timing guides linked to specific BBCH code ranges for major crop diseases
- Harvest maturity determination using BBCH 87-89 codes with crop-specific indicators
- Growing Degree Day (GDD) integration showing accumulated heat units for key BBCH stage transitions
- Observation protocol guidance including sampling frequency, representative plant counts, and 3-digit auxiliary codes
- Bilingual Korean-English content with searchable categories for quick field reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the two digits in a BBCH code represent?
The first digit represents the principal growth stage (0=germination through 9=senescence), while the second digit indicates the specific sub-stage within that phase. For example, BBCH 65 means Stage 6 (flowering) sub-stage 5 (full flowering with 50% of flowers open). Some crops use a third digit for finer differentiation.
How does BBCH differ from the Zadoks scale for wheat?
The BBCH scale was designed to be a universal system applicable across all plant species, while the Zadoks (or Zadoks-Chang-Konzak) scale was developed specifically for cereals. For wheat and barley, BBCH codes 10-39 correspond directly to Zadoks 10-39 for leaf development, tillering, and stem elongation stages. This reference includes a cross-reference table for both systems.
Which BBCH codes indicate the best time for pesticide application?
Optimal spray timing varies by crop and disease. For example, apple scab treatment targets BBCH 53-69 (bud development through flowering), rice blast prevention targets BBCH 51-59 (heading stage), wheat rust treatment targets BBCH 37-65 (flag leaf through flowering), and grape downy mildew treatment covers BBCH 53-79.
How do I determine harvest maturity using BBCH codes?
Most crops reach harvest maturity between BBCH 87-89. Specific indicators include rice at BBCH 89 (40-45 days after heading), wheat at BBCH 92 (moisture content below 14%), apple at BBCH 87 (80% coloration), and tomato at BBCH 81-85 depending on the desired ripeness level for market.
What is the relationship between BBCH stages and Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
GDD measures accumulated heat units (daily mean temperature minus base temperature). Key BBCH transitions correlate with specific GDD thresholds. For maize with a base temperature of 10 degrees C, emergence (BBCH 09) occurs at GDD 80-120, pollination (BBCH 65) at GDD 700-900, and physiological maturity (BBCH 89) at GDD 1300-1600.
How should I observe and record BBCH growth stages in the field?
Observe 1-2 times per week. Use the 2-digit BBCH code format. Sample at least 10 representative plants and record the stage when 50% or more of plants have reached that stage. For finer resolution, use the 3-digit auxiliary code system (e.g., code 135 for the 35th leaf on Stage 1).
Does the BBCH scale apply to fruit trees like apple and grape?
Yes. For apple trees, key stages include dormancy (BBCH 00), bud swell (01), red bud stage (53), pink bud (57), full bloom (65), petal fall (69), fruit enlargement (71), and harvest maturity (89). For grapevine, notable stages include woolly bud (05), green tip (09), full bloom/cap fall (65), fruit set (71), veraison/color change (81), and harvest (89).
Is this BBCH reference free to use?
Yes, this BBCH Scale Reference is completely free with no account required, no download needed, and no usage limits. All content is processed locally in your browser. It is part of liminfo.com's collection of free agriculture and science reference tools.