Reproductive phenology of Vaccinium floribundum Kunth (Ericaceae) and codification according to the BBCH scale based on evidence from the volcano Chimborazo paramo (Ecuador)

Abstract

Vaccinium floribundum Kunth (Ericaceae) is a native Andean species with shrubby habit and edible fruits. It is mostly distributed in the paramos of the Andes, from Venezuela to Bolivia, where it is commonly known as "mortiño". In this study, we describe the reproductive phenological growth stages of V. floribundum in the paramo of the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador, using an adaptation of the BBCH scale system, and according to semi-monthly observations conducted in three localities from January 2017 to June 2018 (18 months). In addition, a linear regression analysis was performed to detect any potential influence of climatic parameters on the reproductive phenology of “mortiño”. Throughout the monitoring period, different stages of reproductive growth such as bud, flower and fruit were simultaneously found among individuals and, sometimes, even in the same plant. The reproductive phenology of sampled individuals from sites 1 and 2 (Mindala Loma and Polylepis, respectively) were relatively synchronized, whereas individuals from site 3 (Mechahuasca) showed a different phenological pattern. A significant, apparently quick, loss of flowers was evident in all localities during the study period. The patterns observed could reflect physiological constraints imposed by the extreme weather conditions of the paramo