A DESCRIPTION AND CODE OF DEVELOPMENT OF BORAGE (BORAGO-OFFICINALIS)

A description and code of development is proposed which divides the li fe cycle of borage (Borago officinalis L.) into eight stages, namely g ermination and emergence, leaf production, stem extension, flower bud development, flowering, seed maturity and abscission, leaf senescence, and stem senescence. The most important difference between the borage system and one devised for oilseed rape lies in the description of fl owering and seed development, reflecting the cymose structure of the b orage inflorescence which contrasts with the raceme of oilseed rape. T he borage description and code should facilitate assessment of harvest stage and other critical stages that determine the timing of husbandr y techniques.