The use of a phenology model and of risk analyses for planning buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) sowing dates in Alpine areas

A published temperature-dependent phenology model constructed for representing buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) development has been calibrated. The model considers the phenophases of sowing to emergence, of emergence to first anthesis, and of first anthesis to physiological maturity. It is used for the strategic planning of buckwheat production in Alpine areas and predicts the latest possible sowing dates in areas of the Swiss cantons of the Grisons and of the Ticino as well as of the Italian province of Sondrio. The area-specific date is calculated by taking into account a probability of 1% for crop failure which occurs when the crop is exposed to temperatures < 2.5°C before it reaches physiological maturity. To account for operational constraints, we have anticipated the calculated sowing date by 10 days. During a given year, buckwheat should be considered as the only crop at high altitudes, while it can be cultivated as a catch crop, after cereals for example, at low altitudes. The results show that the model efficiently makes use of existing information and provides useful recommendations for experimental work. The model is also a valuable tool for farmers interested in growing buckwheat in the areas under study.