Defining the Growth Stages of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) using the BBCH Scale

Abstract

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a protein-rich food grain legume that fixes nitrogen and serves as a potential crop for the plant-based protein industry. It can fit in multiple cropping systems as a short-duration and low-water requirement crop. Phenological growth stages of mungbean are described here for the first time according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, and Chemische Industrie) scale. We developed an extended BBCH chart with a two-digit scale to identify different phenological growth stages of mungbean. This study documented and illustrated the key growth stages of mungbean from germination to maturity, correlating them with the number of days after planting and accumulated growing degree days (GDD). It outlines the principal growth stages (PS) as follows: germination (PS-0), leaf development (PS-1), stem elongation (PS-3), flower bud development (PS-5), flowering (PS-6), fruit development (PS-7), ripening (PS-8), and senescence (PS-9). This chart can help track the key mungbean growth and developmental stages. Most importantly, this BBCH growth stages chart fills a gap in the literature by providing a practical tool for researchers and growers to standardize crop management practices, develop simulation models, and assess performance under various environmental conditions. The standardized scale enhances the precision of timing agricultural interventions, ultimately supporting improved mungbean production in the region.