Phenological growth stages of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) using the extended BBCH-scale

• This paper first described lychee using extended BBCH-scale.
• Seven and 41 secondary growth stages were described.
• Our description combined words, photos and figures.

This study presents codes and detailed crop-specific descriptions for the growth stages of the lychee tree in southern China. Our codes are based on the extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt, and Chemische Industrie (BBCH)-scale and describe the growth stages of the lychee plant using a three-digit numerical system. A total of 7 principal growth stages are described for bud, leaf, and shoot development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, and fruit maturity. In addition, 41 secondary growth stages are described. The extended BBCH-scale for lychee presented in this study is broadly applicable because it describes all the phenophases pertaining to bud, shoot, leaf, panicle, and fruit development, as well as the growth pattern of the shoots and their seasonal variation. These data should facilitate more effective management of lychee orchards and contribute to the standardization of international testing systems for fruit growing.