As in other temperate species, the pomegranate tree shows different ph
enological characteristics through its vegetative cycle in response to
changing temperature. This phenology has been studied as a basis for
comparisons of the successive stages of growth and reproduction in dif
ferent geographical areas and conditions. The variety Mollar de Elche
was studied, since it is grown on more than 95% of the total area devo
ted to this crop in Spain. Thirteen phenological-stages were identifie
d during the annual cycle, starting at bud in dormancy and finishing a
year later with leaf fall. These stages are denoted using the BBCH Ge
neral Scale which uses numerical codes to represent particular stages.
The code uses a two-digit number to describe the different phenologic
al states and makes it possible to distinguish between principal and s
econdary stages of development. The duration of stages was measured in
days and as accumulated degree-day.