Use of the extended BBCH scale - general for the descriptions of the growth stages of mono- and dicotyledonous weed species

The extended BBCH scale is a system for a uniform coding of phenologically similar growth stages of all mono-and dicotyledonous plant species, based on the well-known cereal code of Zadoks et al. (1974). The BBCH key is a decimal system, with 10 principal growth stages and up to 10 secondary ones, starting with seed germination/sprouting of perennials, progressing through leaf production and extension growth to flowering and senescence. Therefore, it can also be a suitable tool to define the growth stages of different weed species. To encourage further use of the BBCH scale in weed research, definitions of the codes have been more closely adapted to weeds. Possible problems are discussed and guidelines for correct use are given.