PHENOLOGY OF CORN AND BEANS IN THE ZACATECAS ALTIPLANO. l. THE DECIMAL CODE

Abstract

The phenology concept refers to the study of biological phenomena that show up with periodic rithm, such as germination, flowering and ma­turity. The knowledge about ontogenic changes is important, because
of the relationships between these changes and the productive processes, since ontogenic changes promete changes in the physiology of the plant and integrate the environmental effects.

In this research, a method for qualifying the phenological development

of maize (Zea mays L.) and dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is suggested. The method was calibrated in eight field experiments during 1983. Results indicated that even samll discrepancies in phenological development may be detected and compared for evaluation. Therefore, this method is propo sed to be used in the maize and dry beans research, mainly for those stu­dies dealing with plant adaptation, regionalization and breeding.