Phenophases of rambutan ( Nephelium lappaceum L.) based on extended BBCH- scale for Kerala, India

摘要

This study describes the different phenological growth stages of rambutan ( Nephelium lappaceum L.) tree grown in India particularly in the state of Kerala where it has become one of the most treasured fruit particularly as a courtyard crop or on its fringes in the homegardens. A total of seven principal growth stages are described for bud, leaf, and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, and fruit maturity according to the extended BBCH-scale. Within them fourty one secondary growth stages are also described. This detailed study on different phenophases of rambutan in relation to the prevailing environmental conditions can certainly serve as a basis for the standardization of agronomic and ecophysiological aspects of rambutan and thereby to promote the cultivation of this exotic fruit crop.