Phenological growth stages of avocado (Persea americana) according to the BBCH scale

• Precise standardized description of the different growth stages of avocado.
• Useful codes to optimize comparison of data taken under different edaphoclimatic conditions.
• The system is also valid for growth conditions where several vegetative and reproductive flushes are present.

Avocado (Persea americana) is an important evergreen fruit crop grown in several countries with tropical and subtropical climates. In this work, a precise standardized description of the different growth stages of this crop is proposed. The BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) code has been used to define the most important phenological growth stages from vegetative bud dormancy to fruit harvest. The code will be an important tool to assist the development and implementation of agronomic management protocols and to standardize observations made in different environments and/or under different experimental conditions in this crop.