BBCH SPRAY GUIDE
The BBCH scale is a standardized, internationally recognized system for classifying plant growth stages. The information on this page serves as general guidance to help you identify specific phenological phases and review the relevant options for drone application.
In our selection, we have highlighted only those treatment recommendations that can be applied via drone. However, please note that actual application requires compliance with legal regulations (e.g., authorized products and drone technology), consideration of local environmental factors, and precise professional evaluation. The data presented here should be interpreted as a practical guide to support decision-making.
Foliar Fertilizer
Trichogramma Application
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Corn (Zea mays L.)
Click a drone above to see the recommended tank-mix and timing details for that spray window.
1. Early Vegetative Stage (BBCH 10–18)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 10–16 | Early 1–6 leaf stage | Post-emergence Herbicide Application | Elimination of early weed competition in young crop stands. Strictly control spray drift during application. |
| BBCH 16–18 | 6–8 leaf stage | Foliar Fertilizer: Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Nitrogen (N) + Amino Acids | Canopy coverage reaches the required threshold for effective foliar uptake. Zinc (Zn): Crucial for ear initiation (differentiation) and root development. Manganese (Mn): Essential for photosynthesis; assists young corn in quickly overcoming early cold and moisture stress. Nitrogen (N): Drives rapid cell division during ear initiation (determining potential ear size and kernel row count). Acts as a nutrient carrier by increasing cuticle permeability, significantly boosting the uptake of co-applied Zn, Mn, and amino acids. Amino acids: Mitigate herbicide-induced growth stunt (phytotoxicity) and significantly enhance nutrient absorption, especially in low-volume drone applications. |
2. Intensive Growth and Tasseling (BBCH 30–59)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 30–39 | Stem elongation | Foliar Fertilizer: Amino acids, Zinc (Zn) and Sulfur (S) | Meeting the high nutrient demand of expanding green biomass and supporting rapid protein synthesis during the intensive growth phase. |
| BBCH 34–51 | Tassel emergence (Green tassel) | Biological Control: Trichogramma (1st Release) OR Insecticide Application (1st Generation Control) | Control of 1st generation European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) larvae before they bore into the stalk. Attention: If Trichogramma is applied, suspend chemical insecticide treatments for 1 month! |
| BBCH 51–59 | Tasseling | Insecticide Application OR Biological Control: Trichogramma (2nd Release) | Insecticide: Protection against 2nd generation European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), and Western corn rootworm adults (Diabrotica virgifera). Biological Control: Control of 2nd generation European corn borer and cotton bollworm. Note: Trichogramma is exclusively effective against lepidopteran pests! Attention: If Trichogramma is applied, suspend chemical insecticide treatments for 1 month! |
3. Flowering and Grain Filling (BBCH 61–75)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 61–65 | Flowering / Silking | Foliar Fertilizer (Boron (B) & Zinc (Zn)) | Boron & Zinc: Essential for silk development, pollen viability, and successful fertilization. |
| Fungicide Application (Ear Protection) | Green silks represent the most critical window for preventing Fusarium ear rot (Fusarium spp.) and mycotoxin contamination. | ||
| Insecticide Application | Protection against Western corn rootworm adults feeding on silks and cotton bollworm larvae. | ||
| BBCH 71–75 | Grain filling / Kernel development | Late Fungicide Application | Prevention of late-season Fusarium ear rot and, under hot/dry conditions, Aspergillus ear rot (aflatoxin contamination). |
| Late Insecticide Application | Control of cotton bollworm larvae feeding on ears, preventing feeding wounds that serve as entry points for fungal infections. Strict PHI Rule: Use only products with a short Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) to guarantee complete active ingredient breakdown prior to harvest. |
Precise application timing always depends on the specific crop year, local environmental conditions, and real-time pest/pathogen pressure. Always consult a certified agronomist or plant protection specialist prior to executing chemical or biological treatments.
Foliar Fertilizer
Trichogramma Application (Biological Control)
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Click a drone above to see the recommended tank-mix and timing details for that spray window.
1. Early Vegetative Stage (BBCH 12–18)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 12–18 | 2–8 leaf stage (Canopy development) | Post-emergence Herbicide Application | Control of emerging annual and perennial grass (monocot) and broadleaf (dicot) weeds within the crop stand. |
| BBCH 14–18 | 4–8 leaf stage | Insecticide Application | Protection against early foliage pests damaging young plants (e.g., aphids, weevils such as Tanymecus spp.) and prevention of virus transmission by vector insects. |
| BBCH 16–18 | 6–8 leaf stage | Foliar Fertilizer (Boron, Zinc, Manganese, Sulfur, Nitrogen, Amino Acids) |
Boron (B): Microscopic differentiation of flower/head initials begins in this phase; Boron is essential for proper head development. Zinc (Zn) & Manganese (Mn): Key drivers of photosynthesis, auxin synthesis, as well as leaf and root growth. Sulfur (S) & Nitrogen (N): Foundations for rapid protein synthesis and green biomass accumulation prior to stem elongation. Amino acids: Relief of herbicide stress (phytotoxicity) and enhancement of nutrient uptake. |
2. Stem Elongation and Bud Formation (BBCH 30–59)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 30–39 | Stem elongation and rapid vegetative growth | Foliar Fertilizer (Optional) | Supplying essential nutrients required for intensive stem growth and massive vegetative biomass expansion. |
| BBCH 51–57 | Bud formation – Star-bud stage | Fungicide Application | Critical preventative protection against stem and leaf diseases (e.g., Diaporthe/Phomopsis, Phoma) due to the humid microclimate forming within the closed canopy. |
| Foliar Fertilizer: Boron (B) & Sulfur (S) | Boron (B) is vital for capitulum (head) formation and successful fertilization; Sulfur (S) is essential for oil synthesis and Nitrogen assimilation. | ||
| Bee-Friendly Insecticide Application OR Biological Control (Release of Trichogramma capsules) | Insecticide: Protection against sap-sucking plant bugs (mirids) and aphids feeding on young, tender buds, as well as preventing caterpillar damage at the onset of mass egg-laying by the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). Biological Control: Parasitizing eggs of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), preventing larvae from burrowing into the head. Note: Ensure no chemical insecticide treatments are applied within one month following Trichogramma release! |
3. Flowering and Ripening (BBCH 61–89)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 61–65 | Start of flowering – Full flowering | Fungicide Application (Head Protection) | The most critical application window against head-infecting pathogens (Sclerotinia head rot, Botrytis gray mold). |
| Bee-Friendly Insecticide Application OR Biological Control (2nd release of Trichogramma capsules) | Insecticide: Prevention of caterpillar damage inside the flower head. Always adhere to strict bee-safety regulations when applying chemical treatments! Biological Control: Applied 10–14 days after the 1st release, timed with peak moth flight. Note: Ensure no chemical insecticide treatments are applied within one month following Trichogramma release! |
||
| BBCH 71–79 | Seed formation and achene development | Late Fungicide Application / Head Protection | Prevention of late-season head rots in wet or high-humidity crop seasons. |
| BBCH 81–89 | Ripening (Yellowing to browning of heads) | Desiccation | Ensuring uniform maturity, facilitating mechanical harvesting, optimizing achene moisture content, and halting late-stage rot progression. |
Precise timing always depends on the specific crop year, local conditions, and active pest/pathogen pressure. Always consult a certified agronomist or plant protection specialist prior to executing treatments.
Foliar Fertilizer
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Rapeseed (Brassica napus)
Click a drone above to see the recommended tank-mix and timing details for that spray window.
1. Early Vegetative Stage (BBCH 13–19)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 13–15 | 3–5 leaf stage | Foliar Fertilizer | Strengthens the root collar and promotes deep taproot development for safe overwintering. Boron (B): Enhances root collar thickening, carbohydrate transport, and deep taproot extension. Manganese (Mn): Boosts photosynthesis and tissue lignification to improve autumn frost hardiness. Zinc (Zn): Stimulates early auxin synthesis for growth and protects cell membranes against cold stress. |
| BBCH 16–19 | 6–9 leaf rosette stage | Fungicide Application | Prevents stem elongation (frost protection / growth regulation) and provides early control against Phoma stem canker and leaf spot. |
2. Spring Vegetative and Stem Elongation Stage (BBCH 30–39)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 30–32 | Onset of spring growth – stem elongation | Foliar Fertilizer | Regulates shoot growth, stimulates lateral branching, and prevents boron deficiency. Boron (B): Prevents hollow stems and longitudinal cracking during rapid stem elongation. Sulfur (S): Optimizes nitrogen utilization and protein synthesis for vigorous shoot growth. Magnesium (Mg): Boosts chlorophyll production and fuels energy synthesis during rapid canopy expansion. |
| BBCH 35–39 | Intensive stem elongation (until hidden bud stage) | Insecticide Application | Suppresses stem weevil populations to prevent stem splitting and secondary fungal infections. |
3. Reproductive and Ripening Stage (BBCH 51–89)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 51–57 | Green bud – Yellow bud stage | Insecticide Application + Foliar Fertilizer | Prevents bud feeding damage during the critical pre-flowering window. Boron (B): Improves pollen viability and tube growth to prevent bud abortion and enhance flower retention. Sulfur (S): Supports high oil synthesis and protein formation ahead of bloom. Molybdenum (Mo): Enhances nitrogen metabolism and promotes uniform flower development. |
| BBCH 61–65 | Full flowering (early to mid-flowering) | Fungicide Application | Primary defense against white mold (Sclerotinia stem rot). Drone application completely eliminates trampling damage to the flowering crop canopy. |
| BBCH 73–77 | Pod development – Pod enlargement | Insecticide Application | Prevents pod pest damage and premature opening to safeguard seed yield. |
| BBCH 80–89 | Ripening (waxy ripe – mature pods) | Desiccation + Pod Sealant | Promotes uniform ripening and prevents seed shatter losses from pod splitting. In dense, intertwined crops, drone application reduces seed loss to zero. |
Precise timing always depends on the specific growing season, local soil and weather conditions, and active pest/disease pressure. Always consult a certified agronomist or crop consultant prior to executing specific treatments.
Foliar Fertilizer
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Click a drone above to see the recommended tank-mix and timing details for that spray window.
1. Early Growth Stage (BBCH 13–29)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 13–25 | Tillering (3-leaf stage to mid-tillering) | Foliar Fertilizer | Stimulates root development and shoot formation without causing ground trampling damage in the field rows. Zinc (Zn): Synthesizes growth hormones (auxins) to drive early root expansion and shoot formation. Manganese (Mn): Powers photosynthesis and activates enzymes that enhance natural disease defense. Copper (Cu): Promotes cell wall lignification to strengthen young stems against early lodging. |
| BBCH 25–29 | End of tillering | Herbicide Application | Weeds deplete water and nutrients prior to intensive growth. Omitting this step can cause a 20–40% yield loss. |
| Foliar Fertilizer | Aids recovery from winter stress and maximizes tiller node counts prior to the spring growth surge. Nitrogen (N): Fuels rapid foliage regeneration and prevents early tiller abortion. Sulfur (S): Works synergistically with nitrogen to kickstart protein synthesis and enzymatic activity. Zinc (Zn): Drives auxin production to boost root vigor and optimize tiller node development. Manganese (Mn): Re-activates photosynthesis and strengthens systemic stress tolerance coming out of dormancy. Amino acids / biostimulants: Provide immediate metabolic energy to bypass cold-soil nutrient blockages and herbicide shock. |
2. Intensive Growth and Stem Elongation Stage (BBCH 31–39)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 31–32 | 1st–2nd node stage | Fungicide Treatment + Foliar Fertilizer | Early disease protection (powdery mildew, rusts, net blotch) and strengthening of the elongating stems against lodging. Copper (Cu): Critical during stem elongation; deficiency severely weakens stem structural integrity (increasing lodging risk) and leads to pollen sterility later. Magnesium (Mg): Prevents chlorosis on the middle leaves during high-demand vegetative extension. Sulfur (S): Keeps nitrogen metabolism running efficiently to build strong, structural stem tissue. Manganese (Mn): Complements the fungicide application by triggering the plant's internal phytoalexin defenses against early foliar diseases. |
| BBCH 37–39 | Flag leaf emergence | Fungicide Treatment + Foliar Fertilizer | Precision protection of the upper canopy – the primary determinant of crop yield – against foliar diseases. The flag leaf drives 50–70% of grain filling; foliar feeding delivers nutrients directly to it when root uptake declines, combining with mandatory fungicide sprays without extra field passes. Nitrogen (N): Delays flag leaf senescence to extend the active photosynthesis window critical for grain fill. Magnesium (Mg): Maintains high chlorophyll density in the flag leaf to prevent energy burnout under intense radiation. Sulfur (S): Enhances late-stage nitrogen uptake efficiency for uninterrupted canopy metabolism. Boron (B): Supports cell wall strength and ensures reproductive tissue preparation ahead of booting and flowering. Zinc (Zn): Protects upper canopy tissues from oxidative stress during late-spring heat spikes. |
3. Reproductive and Ripening Stage (BBCH 45–89)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 45–59 | Booting and heading | Insecticide Treatment | Rapid, overhead intervention targeting foliage-damaging pests, avoiding mechanical crop damage. |
| BBCH 61–65 | Flowering (beginning to mid-flowering) | Fungicide Treatment | The critical control window against Fusarium. Top-down aerial drone application ensures direct coverage on the ear. |
| BBCH 73–77 | Milk stage (grain filling) | Insecticide Treatment + Foliar Fertilizer | Protection against aphids and grain-damaging bugs, while enhancing quality parameters (protein and gluten content) for market premiums. Nitrogen (N): Directly fuels protein synthesis in the grain as root uptake capacity declines. Sulfur (S): Works synergistically with nitrogen to form essential amino acids, boosting wet gluten quality and dough elasticity. Zinc (Zn): Enhances carbohydrate translocation into developing kernels and protects tissues from late-season heat stress. Magnesium (Mg): Sustains the "stay-green" effect in the upper leaves to maintain photosynthate flow into the grain. |
Precise timing always depends on the specific growing season, local soil and weather conditions, and active pest/disease pressure. Always consult a certified agronomist or crop consultant prior to executing specific treatments.
Foliar Fertilization
Trichogramma Application
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)
Click a drone above to see the recommended tank-mix and timing details for that spray window.
1. Early Vegetative Growth (BBCH 09–19)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 09–12 | Budburst to 2–3 leaves | Foliar Fertilization + Biostimulants | Support early shoot and leaf development. Apply Zn, Mn, Mg or Fe only where deficiency is identified. Biostimulants may support stress management, depending on the product. |
| BBCH 13–19 | 3–9 leaves | Fungicide | Preventive protection against powdery mildew and downy mildew according to disease risk and local authorisation. |
| BBCH 13–19 | Active leaf development | Foliar Fertilization | Correct diagnosed Mg, Mn, Fe or Zn deficiencies to support chlorophyll formation, photosynthesis and canopy development. |
2. Pre-flowering and Flowering Stage (BBCH 53–68)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 53–55 | Inflorescences visible and elongating | Foliar Fertilization + Biostimulants | Assess Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn) before flowering to support normal reproductive development and flower function. Avoid excessive boron application. |
| BBCH 53–59 | Inflorescence development to pre-flowering | Trichogramma Application | Release suitable Trichogramma species against susceptible grape moth eggs where the local pest species, release timing and drone-compatible system support effective biological control. |
| BBCH 53–59 | Inflorescence development to pre-flowering | Fungicide | Establish preventive protection against powdery mildew and downy mildew before susceptible tissues are exposed to infection risk. |
| BBCH 57–61 | Inflorescences separated to beginning of flowering | Foliar Fertilization | Apply B and Zn only where justified by deficiency risk or analysis. Corrective nutrition before flowering may be relevant to reproductive development. |
| BBCH 61–68 | Beginning to end of flowering | Fungicide | Maintain disease protection when justified by infection risk, using products authorised for the crop, stage and drone application. |
| BBCH 61–68 | Flowering | Biostimulants | Consider an authorised foliar biostimulant only where there is a clear agronomic rationale. Avoid unnecessary spraying during sensitive flowering conditions. |
3. Berry Development Stage (BBCH 69–79)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 69–71 | End of flowering to fruit set | Fungicide | Protect young berries against downy mildew and powdery mildew according to disease pressure and the product label. |
| BBCH 69–73 | Fruit set to early berry growth | Foliar Fertilization | Correct confirmed Mg, Mn, Zn or Fe deficiencies to maintain canopy function and photosynthesis. |
| BBCH 71–75 | Fruit set to pea-sized berries | Trichogramma Application | Target susceptible eggs of relevant grape berry moth species where monitoring and local biological-control recommendations justify release. |
| BBCH 73–77 | Berry growth | Foliar Fertilization | Consider Calcium (Ca) where justified. Calcium is a secondary nutrient, not a trace element; benefits depend on formulation, uptake and timing. |
| BBCH 73–79 | Berry growth to bunch closure | Fungicide | Maintain disease protection as clusters develop, following local disease-risk guidance and product restrictions. |
| BBCH 77–79 | Bunch closure | Fungicide | Where justified, target Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) before berries become tightly packed, especially in susceptible cultivars and humid conditions. |
4. Ripening Stage (BBCH 81–89)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 81–85 | Beginning of veraison to advanced colour change | Foliar Fertilization | Consider Mg and other nutrients only where a demonstrated need exists. K (potassium) is a major nutrient, not a trace element. Do not assume foliar sprays automatically increase sugar content or colour. |
| BBCH 81–85 | Beginning of veraison | Trichogramma Application | Consider only if a locally relevant later moth generation is susceptible and the release programme supports this timing. |
| BBCH 81–89 | Veraison to ripening | Fungicide | Manage late-season disease risk where necessary, observing the pre-harvest interval (PHI), residue limits and application restrictions. |
| BBCH 85–89 | Advanced ripening to full maturity | Foliar Fertilization + Biostimulants | Apply only where a clear agronomic need exists and the product is permitted before harvest. Avoid unsupported claims about improved sugar content, colour or fruit quality. |
| BBCH 69–89 | Berry development to ripening | Insecticide | Include only when monitoring identifies a relevant pest and an authorised drone-applicable product is justified. Follow resistance-management and pre-harvest requirements. |
Precise timing always depends on the specific growing season, local soil/weather conditions, and active pest/disease pressure. Always consult a certified agronomist or crop consultant prior to executing specific treatments.
Foliar Fertilization
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Soybean (Glycine max)
Click a drone above to see the recommended tank-mix and timing details for that spray window.
1. Emergence and Early Vegetative Growth (BBCH 00–19)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 00–09 | Sowing to emergence | Herbicide | Early weed control. Drone application is appropriate only where authorised and where the product is suitable for the intended pre-emergence or soil-surface treatment. |
| BBCH 10–13 | Cotyledon stage to first leaves | Herbicide | Control of young weeds, taking soybean growth stage, weed species and crop phytotoxicity risk into account. |
| BBCH 13–19 | Leaf development and early vegetative growth | Foliar Fertilization | Targeted Mn, Zn or Fe application where a deficiency is confirmed, supporting normal leaf function and photosynthesis. |
| BBCH 13–19 | Active canopy development | Fungicide | Apply only when local disease risk, monitoring and authorised application practices justify treatment. |
2. Vegetative Growth and Pre-flowering (BBCH 19–59)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 19–51 | Active vegetative growth to visible flower buds | Foliar Fertilization | Correct Mn, Zn, Mg or Fe deficiencies identified through crop or tissue assessment. |
| BBCH 19–51 | Canopy development and canopy closure | Fungicide | Disease-specific treatment when pathogen pressure, weather and local recommendations justify it. Routine spraying is not assumed. |
| BBCH 51–59 | Flower-bud development to pre-flowering | Foliar Fertilization | Targeted Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn) application where deficiency or a substantiated local recommendation exists. Excess boron can cause crop injury. |
| BBCH 51–59 | Pre-flowering | Insecticide | Treat only when monitoring identifies a significant pest and the relevant action threshold is reached. Timing depends on the pest's life cycle. |
3. Flowering and Pod Development (BBCH 60–79)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 60–69 | Beginning to end of flowering | Foliar Fertilization | Apply micronutrients only where justified. Consider temperature, water availability and crop stress during flowering. |
| BBCH 60–75 | Flowering to early pod development | Fungicide | Control of locally relevant diseases according to infection risk, cultivar susceptibility and disease observations. |
| BBCH 60–79 | Flowering to pod development | Insecticide | Target important local soybean pests, such as relevant caterpillars or stink bugs, when monitoring justifies intervention. Pollinator protection is especially important during flowering. |
| BBCH 69–75 | End of flowering to young pod development | Foliar Fertilization | Apply Mg, Mn or other micronutrients where a deficiency is confirmed, helping maintain functional foliage. |
4. Pod Development, Seed Filling and Ripening (BBCH 79–89)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 79–85 | Developed pods to seed development | Insecticide | Apply only when pest pressure and expected crop loss justify treatment and pre-harvest requirements can be met. |
| BBCH 79–85 | Pod and seed development | Fungicide | Late-season disease management only where risk justifies treatment, subject to product authorisation and pre-harvest intervals. |
| BBCH 79–89 | Pod development to ripening | Foliar Fertilization | Apply only where a nutrient deficiency is confirmed and a meaningful benefit is expected before harvest. |
Precise timing always depends on the specific growing season, local soil/weather conditions, and active pest/disease pressure. Always consult a certified agronomist or crop consultant prior to executing specific treatments.
Foliar Fertilization
Trichogramma Application
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Rice (Oryza sativa)
Click a drone above to see the recommended tank-mix and timing details for that spray window.
1. Early Vegetative Growth (BBCH 09–19)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 09–12 | Emergence to early leaf development | Foliar Fertilization | Apply micronutrients such as Zn, Fe or Mn only where deficiencies are identified. Targeted nutrition can support early leaf development and plant establishment. |
| BBCH 13–19 | Leaf development | Foliar Fertilization | Correct diagnosed nutrient deficiencies to support chlorophyll formation, photosynthesis and canopy development. |
| BBCH 13–19 | Leaf development | Herbicide | Early weed control can reduce competition for light, nutrients and water. Timing depends on weed species, crop stage, water management and product authorization. |
2. Tillering (BBCH 20–29)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 21–29 | Tillering and shoot development | Foliar Fertilization | Targeted foliar nutrition can help correct diagnosed nutrient deficiencies during active tillering. |
| BBCH 21–29 | Tillering | Herbicide | Corrective weed control can help manage surviving weeds before canopy closure, where the product is authorized for use at this crop stage. |
| BBCH 21–29 | Tillering | Insecticide | Apply insecticides only when monitoring confirms a relevant pest threat and treatment is justified by local thresholds and product authorization. |
3. Stem Elongation and Panicle Development (BBCH 30–39)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 30–39 | Stem elongation and panicle development | Foliar Fertilization | Targeted nutrient supplementation can help correct diagnosed deficiencies during active crop growth. |
| BBCH 30–39 | Stem elongation and panicle development | Fungicide | Timely disease management can help protect crop health when disease risk warrants treatment. Application timing depends on the pathogen, local conditions and product authorization. |
4. Booting (BBCH 41–49)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 41–49 | Booting, before panicle emergence | Fungicide | Fungicide treatment may be important where diseases such as rice blast pose a significant risk. Timing must follow disease risk and product label requirements. |
| BBCH 41–49 | Booting | Foliar Fertilization | Apply micronutrients only where a diagnosed deficiency or a justified crop requirement indicates a need for supplementation. |
5. Heading and Flowering (BBCH 51–69)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 51–59 | Panicle emergence | Fungicide | Where disease risk warrants treatment, timely application may help protect emerging panicles. Coverage, weather conditions and authorized application timing are critical. |
| BBCH 51–69 | Heading and flowering | Insecticide | Targeted pest management may be necessary when monitoring confirms a significant risk. Applications must account for flowering, non-target organisms and product label requirements. |
| BBCH 51–69 | Heading and flowering | Trichogramma Application | The release of Trichogramma egg parasitoids may support biological control of suitable moth pests. Timing must be synchronized with pest egg-laying, and suitability depends on the target pest and local conditions. Note: Consider Trichogramma application only when the presence of a relevant pest that can be targeted by Trichogramma species has been confirmed in the specific rice-growing region. Including this category does not, in itself, mean that this treatment is justified in all rice-growing environments. |
6. Grain Development and Ripening (BBCH 70–89)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 71–79 | Grain development, from watery to milk stage | Fungicide | Late-season disease management may be justified where susceptible tissues remain at risk and the product's permitted application window allows treatment. |
Precise timing always depends on the specific growing season, local soil/weather conditions, and active pest/disease pressure. Always consult a certified agronomist or crop consultant prior to executing specific treatments.
Foliar Fertilization
Trichogramma Application
Herbicide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Apple orchard (Malus domestica)
Click a drone above to see the recommended tank-mix and timing details for that spray window.
1. Dormancy and Bud Development (BBCH 00–09)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 00–03 | Winter dormancy and bud swelling | Insecticide | Treatments against certain overwintering pests may be justified where pest presence and product authorization support their use. |
| BBCH 07–09 | Beginning of bud break | Fungicide | Early crop protection may help reduce disease risk where disease pressure and product label requirements justify treatment. |
2. From Bud Break to Pink Bud (BBCH 07–59)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 10–19 | Leaf development | Foliar Fertilization | Correcting diagnosed nutrient deficiencies can support leaf development and photosynthesis. |
| BBCH 51–57 | Inflorescence development, from green bud to pink bud | Fungicide | Disease risk and weather conditions are important factors when timing treatments against apple scab (Venturia inaequalis). |
| BBCH 57–59 | Pink bud stage | Insecticide | Targeted pest control may be justified before flowering when relevant pests are present and the product is authorized for use. |
3. Flowering (BBCH 60–65)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 60–65 | Beginning of flowering to full bloom | Fungicide | Targeted treatment may be necessary against certain diseases, including blossom blight caused by Monilinia species. Timing must follow disease risk and product authorization. Attention: Pollinator protection and compliance with bee-safety requirements are particularly important during flowering! |
4. Petal Fall (BBCH 67–69)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 67–69 | End of flowering and petal fall | Fungicide | Properly timed treatment can help protect developing fruitlets against apple scab and other relevant diseases. |
| BBCH 67–69 | End of flowering and petal fall | Insecticide | Pest control based on monitoring can help reduce fruit damage during the early stages of fruit development. |
5. From Petal Fall to Harvest (BBCH 71–89)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 71–79 | Fruit development and enlargement | Foliar Fertilization | Targeted nutrient application can help correct confirmed nutrient deficiencies and maintain adequate photosynthetic activity. |
| BBCH 71–89 | Fruit development and ripening | Fungicide | Disease management based on infection risk can help maintain foliage and fruit health throughout the growing season. |
| BBCH 71–89 | Fruit development and ripening | Insecticide | Targeted pest control can help preserve fruit yield and quality. Pre-harvest intervals and harvest timing must be taken into account. |
6. Post-harvest (BBCH 91–97)
| Growth Stage | Phenology | Treatment Type | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBCH 91–97 | Post-harvest period, before leaf senescence and leaf fall | Fungicide | Maintaining healthy foliage after harvest remains important. Active leaves continue producing assimilates, contributing to reserve accumulation and the development of next year's flower buds. Treatment should be based on disease risk. |
| BBCH 91–97 | Post-harvest period, before leaf senescence | Foliar Fertilization | Appropriately timed nutrient supplementation may support the replenishment of tree reserves and preparation for the next growing season. |
Precise timing always depends on the specific growing season, local soil/weather conditions, and active pest/disease pressure. Always consult a certified agronomist or crop consultant prior to executing specific treatments.
