Phenological growth stages and BBCH-identification keys of Chilli ( Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum chinense JACQ., Capsicum baccatum L.)

Since a decade, the need for experience transfer between production regions of chillies (Capsicum spp.) is developing worldwide. In order to ease communication, we propose here a new description and codification of phenological growth stages of Capsicum spp. according to a modified BBCH scale. In contrast to older descriptions basing on 2-digit macro-stages and 3-digit micro-stages, we use the meso-stages as own, independent codification element. Doing so, it was possible to combine qualitative and quantitative changes in growth stages within the 3-digit system.