Phenological growth stages of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.): An extended BBCH scale

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.