Crop vegetative and reproductive development are frequently divided into stages to describe progression of development. Such a description is useful in denoting developmental differences between cultivars, for making crop management decisions based on growth stages, and for clear communication among individuals concerned with research, management, and production of the crop. We have developed such a scale for leaf bud development in rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade). Our scale has six stages briefly described as follows: 1) dormant bud; 2) early green tip; 3) late green tip; 4) unfolding stage; 5) mouse-ear stage; 6) fully opened bud. Categorizing buds in this manner has proven useful in comparing rates of leaf development between cultivars and in response to winter chilling. The stages appear to be relevant to highbush blueberries (V. corymbosum) as well.
