2025/07/30 by Grimes, Samantha Jo, Baier, Clemens, Hartung, Jens +2
#BBCH scale #Buckwheat cultivation #Growth stage #Phenology
paper · doi:10.5073/jfk.2025.01.11
In recent years, the cultivation of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum MOENCH) has regained attention in Germany due to shifting dietary preferences and the demand for diversification of crop rotations. However, its low profitability, lack of sales markets and governmental support, processing challenges (such as dehulling), and limited consumer awareness of this historical niche crop continue to hinder large-scale cultivation in Germany. The absence of growth stage-specific management recommendations further complicates this issue. For the first time, this study introduces an extended BBCH scale (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) outlining nine principal phenological developmental stages of common buckwheat. Developmental stages were determined by visual assessment of three defined plants per plot, in parallel with the overall visual assessment of the stand. The cultivar ‘Dikul’ was chosen as a reference variety as it combines the advantages of more homogeneous and earlier ripening with reliable yields of 20–25 dt ha-1 in previous trials, making it a relevant choice in agricultural practice. In addition, the developmental stages were recorded using accumulated growing degree-days. The provided code serves as an essential guideline for agronomic management protocols, facilitating the incorporation of buckwheat into diversified crop rotations and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and variable environmental conditions.