Fig (Ficus carica L.) phenology: BBCH Scale modeling and climatic effects

Abstract

Fig is a traditional fruit grown in the Mediterranean climate and has high economic value. In recent years, greater temperature variability, irregular precipitation patterns, and rising drought risk have negatively affected fig cultivation and the need for studies to understand the relationship between fig phenological development stages and climatic factors is increasing. In this research, the general phenological conditions of figs were evaluated based on observations and micro-climatic data between 2018-2023. Also shoot development stages were evaluated between 2015-2023 in three Sarılop fig orchards located at different altitudes in Aydın and İzmir provinces, two important fig production centers of the Aegean Region. Phenological stages were adapted using the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scale developed by the International Phenology Monitoring Program, which systematically classifies the growth stages of plants. All developmental stages from bud swelling to dormancy period were coded and the start and end dates for each phenophase were determined. In addition, the effects of temperature accumulation (degree/day) and altitude on phenophases with high climatic sensitivity, such as shoot development, were investigated. The findings revealed that the effective total temperature required for the fig plant to sustain its annual vegetative and generative development generally ranges between 20640C and 21970C, and that locations within this range are more suitable for economically viable cultivation. As a result, it was revealed that the BBCH scale can be used in phenological modeling and agro-climatic risk analyses in addition to its applicability for figs. This research offers significant contributions to early warning systems and agricultural planning.

Keywords

• Fig
• Phenology
• Climate change
• Effective heat summation
• BBCH monograph

Supporting Institution

This project is part of the project titled "Investigation of the Effects of Climatic Factors on Fig Phenology and Fruit Quality" (TAGEM/TSKAD/14/A13/P01/1). It was supported by TAGEM (General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies).

Project Number

TAGEM/TSKAD/14/A13/P01/1

Ethical Statement

An Ethics Committee Document is not required.

Thanks

We would like to thank the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies and the Fig Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for supporting the project.

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