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.
