Kale ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Cotyledon (emergence) Cotyledonous leaves emerge from the soil.
Number of true leaves Count number of fully unfolded true leaves
5-6 true leaves 5-6 fully unfolded true leaves
Number of true leaves Count number of fully unfolded true leaves
Pointed leaves New inner leaves are pointed rather than rounded at the tip.
Mature/harvest Leaves have reached typical size for harvest.
First harvest Record first harvest date
Bolting Main shoot begins to elongate, end of harvest period
Revised August 25, 2014 4
APIACEAE
CARROT Growth Stage Description
Seedling emergence
Cotyledonous leaves emerge from the soil.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves.
5-6 true leaves 5-6 fully unfolded true leaves.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves until root has about ½” diameter (approximately 6-7 true leaves).
Root diameter Measure root diameter across the widest point on the crown starting when the crown begins to expand at 5-7 true leaves (i.e. ½” root diameter).
First potential harvest
90% of roots have reached harvestable size, record crown diameter. Harvestable crown size is approximately ¾ -1½” diameter.
* The Physiology of Vegetable Crops, Wien, H.C (ed.), 1997
1.
2. 3.
Revised August 25, 2014 5
PARSNIP
Growth Stage Description
Seedling emergence
Cotyledonous leaves emerge from the soil.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves. The first few leaves are unifoliate. Starting about the fourth leaf they become multifoliate. Unifoliate and multifoliate leaves each count as one true leaf. Don’t count individual leaflets
First multifoliate leaf
Beginning of period of N uptake.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves until root has about ½” diameter (about 6 true leaves).
Root diameter Measure root diameter across the widest point on the crown starting at about 6 true leaves (i.e. ½” root diameter).
First potential harvest
90% of roots have reached harvestable size, record crown diameter. Harvestable crown size is approximately 2-2½” diameter.
* The Physiology of Vegetable Crops, Wien, H.C (ed.), 1997
Revised August 25, 2014 6
ASTERACEAE
LETTUCE Growth Stage Description
Cotyledon (emergence)
Cotyledonous leaves emerge from the soil.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves.
5-6 true leaves 5-6 true leaves are fully unfolded. This is the beginning of the period of N uptake.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves.
Rosette Distinct circular cluster of leaves.
Cupping Tips of inner leaves begin to curl inwards on the edge, two youngest leaves do not unfold. This stage is much less pronounced with leaf lettuce than with head lettuce.
Heading Cupped leaves begin to overlap and cover the growing point of the plant. Leaf lettuce does not form a head.
Mature The head reaches marketable size for the variety, leaf lettuce is marketable size for that variety and leaves have not started to become bitter.
Bolting Main shoot inside head begins to elongate.
Revised August 25, 2014 7
BRASSICACEAE
Measure diameter of cauliflower and broccoli o If oblong measure length and width and divide by two
Cabbage, measure diameter- o Some studies measure head length and width and core length and width. o Some studies measure circumference o USDA Standards measure cabbage by o My conclusion – as long as were consistent we should be fine.
We will also put together photos of the varieties to use next season to have a visual example of growth stages, we will also note which photos we need to capture in 2015.
BROCCOLI
Growth Stage Description
Cotyledon (emergence)
Fully emerged and primary (unifoliate) leaves completely unfurrowed.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves.
Transplant Record number of true leaves at transplanting
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves.
5-6 true leaves Beginning of rapid N accumulation is about 5-6 true leaves
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves (up to 9 or more).
Cupping Around 10-14 true leaves the innermost heart leaves begin to curve around the growing tip where the head will initiate.
Head initiation The harvestable head is initiated when vernalization occurs??. Head can be felt without pulling leaves apart (1/2” diameter).
Head development
As the heads develop measure the circumference around the main head on each plant you examine.
Mature Heads have reached typical size and form for that variety. Record the median circumference around the head.
Early flowering Record the percentage of plants in the trial site that are beginning to flower. Buds in the head begin to elongate and the head separates. Petals become visible but flowers have not yet opened.
Revised August 25, 2014 8
BRUSSELS SPROUT Growth Stage Description
Cotyledon (emergence)
Fully emerged and primary (unifoliate) leaves completely unfurrowed.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully expanded true leaves.
Transplant Record seeding or transplanting date and growth stage at transplanting
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves.
5-6 true leaves Beginning of rapid N accumulation is about 5-6 true leaves.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves (up to 9 or more).
Sprout initiation Record percent sprout (bud) initiation in leaf axils, buds have ⅛ - ¼ ” diameter.
Beginning of stem elongation
Main shoot has started to elongate. For example, 4-6” from center of the rosette to the top growing point.
Sprout development
Sprouts are growing in the leaf axil. Record the average sprout diameter on the stalk (i.e. from near the middle of the stalk).
Topping Tops of plants are topped to promote even sprout size. Normally when sprouts on bottom of stalk have ½ - ¾” diameter.
Processing market harvest
Average sprout diameter is 1 – 1⅜” diameter. Tightly closed sprouts below the terminal bud have formed.
Fresh market harvest
Average sprout diameter is 1¼ – 1½” diameter. Tightly closed sprouts below the terminal bud have formed.
Early flowering Buds begin to elongate to form flower branches. Record the percentage of plants in the trial site that are elongating.
Revised August 25, 2014 9
CABBAGE
Growth Stage Description
Cotyledon (emergence)
Fully emerged and primary (unifoliate) leaves completely unfurrowed.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully expanded true leaves.
Transplant Record growth number of true leaves at transplanting
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves
5-6 true leaves Beginning of rapid N accumulation is about 5-6TL.
Number of true leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves
Pre-cupping Approximately 10-12 leaves. The innermost heart leaves are growing in an upright fashion and begin to curve inwards. They are visible without moving any of the surrounding leaves. By the end of this stage the base of the stem and the bases of all leaves are concealed when the plant is viewed from above.
Cupping Approximately 12-16 leaves. The innermost heart leaves, which are still growing in an upright fashion, are concealed by the larger, older leaves surrounding them. All visible leaves will later become the frame leaves (leaves not touching the mature head) of the mature plant.
Early head formation
Record the circumference around the head. Firm head can easily be felt when squeezing, 3-10” head circumference. The inner heart leaves are now quickly developing as a ball-like structure of overlapping leaves, and are concealed by the surrounding larger leaves. These surrounding leaves do not press tightly against the developing head and will later unfold to become frame leaves.
Head fill Record the circumference around the head, approximately 10-25” head circumference. A firm round head is visible within the wrapper leaves (the 4 outer loose leaves that touch the mature head). The head has not yet fully developed and thus, is not of harvestable size.
Mature Record the measurement of circumference around the head , approximately 20-35” head circumference. Head is dense: visible airspace in a cut head is less than XX% and core length is still 10 cm or less (increases with age). Wrapper leaf that is tight against the head curls up a little.
Splitting Early maturing heads in the field are starting to split.
Revised August 25, 2014 10
CABBAGE GROWTH STAGES Cotyledon
1.
Seedling
2.
6-8 true leaves
3. 9-12 true leaves
4.
Precupping
5.
Cupping
6.
Early head formation
7.
Head fill
8.
Mature
9.
Revised August 25, 2014 11
CAULIFLOWER Growth Stage Description
Cotyledon (emergence)
Fully emerged and primary (unifoliate) leaves completely unfolded.
Number of true leaves
Count number of unfolded true leaves.
Transplant Record number of true leaves at transplanting
Number of true leaves
Count number of unfolded true leaves
6-8 true leaves Beginning of rapid N accumulation is about 6-8TL.
Number of true leaves
Count number of unfolded true leaves.
Cupping Around 12-16 true leaves the innermost heart leaves begin to curve around the growing tip where the head will initiate.
Curd initiation The curd is initiated when plants reach vegetative maturity and cool mean temperatures occur (i.e. 58-68F for summer types – questioning this). The curd becomes visible, but is very small (i.e. less than ½” diameter).
Curd development
As the curds develop measure the circumference around the main curd on each plant you examine.
Mature Curds have reached typical size and form for that variety. Record the median curd circumference.
Early flowering Buds in the curd begin to flower, flower branches begin to elongate and petals become visible but flowers have not yet opened. Record the percentage of plants in the trial site that are beginning to flower.
Revised August 25, 2014 12
KALE Stage name Description
Cotyledon (emergence) Cotyledonous leaves emerge from the soil.
Number of true leaves Count number of unfolded true leaves that have the color typical for the variety
Transplant Record number of true leaves at transplanting
Number of true leaves Count number of unfolded true leaves
5-6 true leaves 5-6 true leaves are fully unfolded. This is the beginning of the period of N uptake.
Number of true leaves Count number of fully unfolded true leaves
First harvest Leaves have reached typical size and shape for harvest for that variety
Stem elongation Note beginning of stem elongation. For example, 3-5” visible stalk from center of rosette to the top growing point.
Plant decline Leaf quality is declining and number of harvestable leaves for bunching is declining
Harvest period ends No longer economical to harvest plants
Bolting Main shoot begins to elongate
Revised August 25, 2014 13
CUCURBITACEAE
CUCUMBER
Growth Stage Description
Emergence Cotyledons break through soil surface
Transplant Record number of true leaves at transplanting
Number of true leaves
Count number of true leaves on main stem fully unfolded.
4-5 leaf stage 4-5 true leaves fully unfolded
Flower bud emergence
Note presence of first visible flower buds.
Flower bud development
Flower buds are developing but there are no open flowers.
Beginning reproductive growth
First open male or female flower. 50% of plants have first open flower.
Beginning of fruit set
First fruit begin to expand.
Fruit length Record the length of the earliest developing fruit
Harvest maturity Fruit has reached typical harvest size for variety. Generally 5-7” fruit length. Record first harvest date.
Harvest period Harvest continues
End of harvest Plants decline and fruit is no longer harvested
1. 2.
3. 4.
5.
6.
Revised August 25, 2014 14
SUMMER SQUASH Growth Stage Description
Cotyledon (emergence)
Fully emerged and primary (unifoliate) leaves completely unfurrowed.
Transplant Record number of true leaves at transplanting
Number of true leaves
Count number of unfolded true leaves.
4-5 leaf stage Beginning of rapid N accumulation is about 4-5 true leaves.
Flower bud emergence
Note presence of first visible flower buds.
Beginning reproductive growth
First open male or female flower. 50% of plants have first open flower.
Beginning of fruit set
First fruit begin to expand.
Fruit expansion Fruit has set and is continuing to expand. Record fruit length.
Harvest maturity Fruit has reached typical harvest size for variety. Generally 5-7” fruit length for zucchini and summer squash types.
First harvest Record first harvest date
Ongoing harvest Harvest continuing
End of harvest Plants decline and fruit no longer harvested (i.e. powdery mildew, leaf senescence, frost damage)
Revised August 25, 2014 15
WINTER SQUASH Growth Stage Description
Cotyledon (emergence)
Fully emerged and primary (unifoliate) leaves completely unfurrowed.
Transplant Record number of true leaves at transplanting
Number of true leaves
Count number of unfolded true leaves.
4-5 leaf stage Beginning of rapid N accumulation is about 4-5 true leaves
Flower bud emergence
Note presence of first visible flower buds.
Beginning reproductive growth
First open male or female flower. 50% of plants have first open flower.
Beginning of fruit set
First fruit begin to expand.
Fruit expansion Fruit has set and is continuing to expand. Record fruit length.
Physiological maturity
First fruit has reached typical size and form but is not yet ripe.
Fruit ripening Record percentage of fruit at different color ripeness of the most mature fruit. Color will vary depending on species and type: tan fruited types go from green to tan (with no green stripes), orange fruited types go from yellow to rich orange, in green fruited types, the ground spot goes from pale to deep yellow or yellow-orange.
Percent mature Record the percentage of fruit that have fully mature color (i.e. no green lines in brown fruit)
Vine die-back May occur early if fusarium wilt and/or powdery mildew is present, or may occur only after a killing frost.
Harvest maturity 90% of the potentially marketable fruit in the field has mature color
Revised August 25, 2014 16
FABACEAE
SNAP BEANS (Andaloro et al. 1983 and project team):
Growth Stage Description
Emergence Seedlings emerge and cotyledons are exposed.
Unifoliate leaves First 2 unifoliate leaves are unfolded.
1-2 trifoliate leaves
Beginning of rapid N accumulation is estimated at 1-2 trifoliate leaves.
Number of trifoliate leaves
Count number of fully unfolded trifoliate leaves (up to 5-6).
Bud emergence Flower buds form.
Popcorn bloom 50% of plants have one or more flowers that are open and showing white colored petals. NB. Important stage for white mold fungicide application.
Percent bloom Record percentage of plants that have one or more flowers open. Note hot temperatures which can cause flowers to abort
Pod development Pods are developing to their full length, but are not filling. Note hot temperatures
Pod filling Pods are filling as the seeds develop.
Green harvest maturity (snap beans)
Somewhat variety dependent (adjust for market preference). For a full sieve bean, 50% 1-4 sieve. Smaller sieve size beans will have different targets. An alternate measurement is to line up 10 seeds, each extracted from the middle position of the most mature pods from 10 plants. Variety is ready to harvest when length measures 10 cm or more.
Physiological maturity1
70% buckskin pods for snaps; 80% buckskin pods for dry beans (ready for cutting and windrowing).
Dry seed harvest maturity1
Pods ready to thresh. Crisp pods that easily crack in fingers, check middle of windrow.
1 For seed crops only. Green bean harvest delays dry seed maturity.
Revised August 25, 2014 17
1. 2. 3.
4.
5.
6.
Revised August 25, 2014 18
POACEAE
SWEET CORN Growth Stage Description
Cotyledon
(emergence)
Emergence from soil. Single cotyledon leaf is unfolded.
Number of true
leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves (not including coltyledon leaf).
5 leaf stage 50% of plants have 5 leaves partially or fully expanded.
Number of true
leaves
Count number of fully unfolded true leaves coming from main stem. Do not count
all leaves on tillers (side-shoots).
Tassel emergence Tassel detectable at top of stem, record percent plants with tassels.
5 inch tassels 80% of plants have tassels at least 5 inches in length.
Tasseling Record percent plants with tassels.
5% silk emerge 5% of ears have at least some silk showing.
Silk emergence Record percentage of ears that have at least some silk showing.
50% silk emerged 50% of ears have at least some silk showing.
Silk emergence Record percentage of ears that have at least some silk showing.
Brown silks
develop
Record percentage of ears that have mostly brown silk. For example the silk on the
main ear is predominantly brown and drying up, not just brown at the tip.
Fresh market
harvest
Cobs are mature with full kernels at tip. Past milk stage and sweet to taste.
Processing market
harvest
Kernels meet requirements for processing. Percent moisture: 72-73% for sugary
types and 75-76% for sh2. Processor calls pick date.
Revised August 25, 2014 19
SOLANACEAE
PEPPER Growth Stage Description
Transplant Record number of true leaves at planting
Number of true leaves Count number of fully unfolded true leaves.
5-6 true leaves Beginning of rapid N accumulation is about 5-6 true leaves
Number of true leaves Count number of fully unfolded true leaves.
First side shoots present First side-shoot visible in leaf axils. In some types this occurs at the same time as emergence of first inflorescence. In these cases, note both.
Flower bud emergence First flower buds visible (first bud erect)
Bud development Buds are present but flowers have not opened.
First flowering First flower open on 50% of the plants
Fruit set First fruitlets visible but very small (cell division), less than 1” diameter.
Fruit growth First fruit expanding (cell expansion), greater than 1” diameter. Record length of most mature fruit.
Mature green stage First fruit could be harvested as green pepper
Green fresh market harvest Median plant has at least four fruit at mature green stage
Green processing market harvest
Record harvest date
Ripening of fruit Record color of most mature fruit (green, chocolate, red)
First ripe fruits First fruit could be harvested as fully ripe pepper
Red fresh market harvest Median plant has at least four ripe fruit
Red processing harvest Record harvest date for red processing peppers
End of Harvest Fruit no longer harvested
Revised August 25, 2014 20
TOMATO
Growth Stage Description
Transplant Record number of fully expanded true leaves at planting
Number of true leaves Count number of fully unfolded true leaves coming from main stem. Leaves are compound and multi-foliate, be sure not to count individual leaflets.
Bud emergence First inflorescence buds visible
First side shoot present First side-shoot visible in leaf axils. In some types this occurs at the same time as emergence of first inflorescence. In these cases, note both.
First flowering First flower open on 50% of the plants
Fruit set First fruitlets visible but very small (cell division), less than 1” diameter.
Fruit growth First fruit expanding (cell expansion), greater than 1” diameter.
Physiological maturity First fruit has reached typical size and form but is still green or unripe. Seeds are maturing.
Fruit ripening Record color of most mature fruit on the median plant: breaker (first color change), pink, light red, red.
Ripe fruit Record percentage of plants with first ripe fruit and number of ripe fruit per plant on the median plant.
Harvest Record first harvest date and number of ripe fruit per plant on the median plant (varies by variety).
