Phenological growth stages of Montpelier Rock‐Rose Mediterranean shrub (Cistus monspeliensis): codification and description according to the BBCH scale

• Published in: Annals of applied biology Vol. 172; no. 3; pp. 384 - 391
• Main Authors: Piga, A., Duce, P., Cesaraccio, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-05-2018; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adaptability; Annual variations; BBCH code; Biodiversity; Case studies; Cistus monspeliensis; Climate; Climate change; Climatic conditions; Codification; Deforestation; Developmental stages; Drought; Environmental degradation; Global warming; growth stages; Life cycles; Mediterranean ecosystem; phenology; Seasonal variations; shrubland species; Shrubs; Soil conditions; Species; Mediterranean Area
• ISSN: 0003-4746; 1744-7348
• DOI: 10.1111/aab.12418

Shrubland species are important vegetation component resulting from the degradation of Mediterranean forests due to anthropic activities, and constitute the first step of soil covering process subsequent to disturbances such as fire, grazing and deforestation. They represent interesting case studies for their adaptability to challenging climate and soil conditions, and for their potential use in the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. Montpelier Rock‐Rose (Cistus monspeliensis) is a shrubland species growing widespread around the Mediterranean Basin. It is a drought semi‐deciduous species well adapted to cope to the particularly severe climate conditions of this area. The BBCH scale is widely adopted throughout the world for the description of growth developmental stages of several economically important crops but a detailed description of the phenological growth stages of Montpelier Rock‐Rose has never been developed. In this work, the description of the phenological growth stages of Montpelier Rock‐Rose according to the BBCH scale was provided. The description is supplemented by images of principal phenological stages. This work might contribute to a better understanding of the life cycles of Mediterranean shrubland species, providing a useful tool for supporting studies on the responses of shrubs to the seasonal changes due to climate warming.
Phenological diagram and illustration of the main phenological growth stages of Montpelier Rock‐Rose according to BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scale system, based on phenological stages observed during two growing seasons (2010–12) at Capo Caccia site (Italy). Shrubland species are important vegetation component of Mediterranean Basin representing interesting case studies for their adaptability to challenging climate and soil conditions. Montpelier Rock‐Rose (Cistus monspeliensis L.) is a drought semi‐deciduous species well adapted to cope to the particularly severe climate conditions of this area. In this work, the description of the phenological growth stages of Montpelier Rock‐Rose according to the BBCH scale was provided. This work might contribute to a better understanding of the life cycles of Mediterranean shrubland species, supporting studies on their responses to the seasonal changes due to climate warming.