Identification of Phenological Growth Stages of Four Morus Species Based on the Extended BBCH-Scale and Its Application in Fruit Development with Morphological Profiles and Color Characteristics

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus L.; Moraceae; Rosales) is an economically important tree with a long history in China and valued for its rich nutrient, flavor content, medicinal value and useful ecological functions. Morus species are widely distributed in Asia, Europe, North and South America and Africa and exhibit obvious differences in morphological characteristics and phenological stages due to being distributed in diverse climate zones. The morphological description of the phenological stages of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) has been established in Mediterranean climates and this study extended the BBCH scale for application in different Morus species, especially for mulberry trees grown in subtropical monsoon climates. In this study, we used the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie) scale to describe in detail the phenological growth stages for Morus species in Wuhan, China (a subtropical monsoon climate). Based on this general scale, eight principal stages, i.e., bud, leaf and shoot development stage, inflorescence emergence stage, flowering stage, fruit development stage, fruit maturation stage, senescence and beginning of dormancy stage, were described. We provide photographic images of some primary and secondary developmental stages to better define and standardize morphological characteristics and phenological descriptions of these mulberries (Morus spp.). In addition, because the color of mulberry fruit varies from white, purple, black, or pink to red at maturity, with mostly monosexual flowers, we have also presented detailed descriptions of morphological traits of flower sexuality and fruit color among these four species. In addition, two late phenological germplasms (late bud sprouting associated with late blooming and late fruit ripening) were screened out according to the BBCH scale. Overall, this study will contribute to advance the field of mulberry breeding and implementation of agronomic practices and facilitate convenient communication between mulberry cultivators and researchers in different areas.