Apple Growers Research Articles

First report of diplocarpon mali, the perfect state of apple blotch fungus marssonina coronaria from India

Apple blotch caused by Marssonina coronaria is widespread in North Western Himalayas and is well known for causing economic losses to the apple growers since it was first reported from Himachal Pradesh in 1994 (Sharma, 1999). The disease is becoming a major bottleneck in successful cultivation of apple in the state. In the study, apothecia with asci and ascospores (sexual fruiting structures) produced on overwintered diseased leaves of apple were recorded, which are sources of the inoculum. The fungus primarily infects apple leaves, and conidia formed in acervuli causes infection of the leaves and fruits during the growing season. The presence of apothecia with asci and ascospores is the perfect state of the causal fungus of blotch, Marssonina coronaria, is first time being reported from India. The study will lead to an understanding about overwintering stage, variability in population and infection process of the fungus.

Protected geographical indication recognition and willingness to pay: A case of grojec apple

The Grojec region of Poland is an important region for apple production and accounts for 40 percent of domestic apple production. Apple growers from the region made an attempt to strengthen their competitive position through registering their apples as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products. The European Commission’s PGI allows food producers to obtain market recognition and a premium price for their products. Although the Grojec Apple received PGI registration in 2011, little has been done to promote apples with the PGI label. Two important research questions are addressed: 1) Does the Polish market recognize Grojec Apple PGI, and 2) Does the market value Grojec Apple PGI? Logit and regression models are estimated using survey data collected during an International MBA in Agribusiness and Commerce study week in Warsaw. Only 22% of consumers recognize Grojec Apple PGI. Yet, 70% of consumers indicate they are willing to pay more for the product and their average willingness to pay (WTP) premium is 32%. Results indicate use of the PGI label may be effective in improving sales and profit margins for Grojec Apple producers and their affiliated cooperatives. Older consumers are more likely to indicate a WTP premium. Males, smaller households, and consumers less sensitive to apple price indicate a higher WTP premium. An advertising campaign promoting Grojec Apple PGI as a better product may be effective at increasing consumer likelihood to pay more and WTP premium. Although “Grojec” is already familiar to most consumers in central Poland as a region for apples, a Grojec Apple with PGI label would assure consumers they are purchasing apples from the Grojec region and the apples are high quality.
 JEL Code: D12, Q13, Q18

The Use of Copper Pesticides in Germany and the Search for Minimization and Replacement Strategies

Copper pesticides used to control fungal and bacterial diseases such as grapes downy mildew ( Plasmopara viticola ), downy mildew of hops ( Pseudoperonospora humili ), apple scab ( Venturia spp.), fireblight ( Erwinia amylovora ) and potato late blight ( Phytophthora infestans ), play an important role in plant protection. In a 2013 survey of copper application in Germany we found, that while the amounts of copper used per hectare in conventional grape (0.8 kg ha − 1 ), hop (1.7 kg ha − 1 ) and potato-farming (0.8 kg ha − 1 ) were well below those used in organic farming (2.3, 2.6 and 1.4 kg ha − 1 , respectively), they were nearly identical to those used in apple growing (1.4 kg ha − 1 ). Due to the smaller farming area, only 24% (26.5 tonnes) of the total amount of copper was applied in organic farming compared to 76% (84.8 tonnes) in conventional farming. Since 2001, the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) promoted a copper research and minimization strategy which was funded with a total of C 10.2 million. Our status quo analysis of research in this field shows that some progress is being made concerning alternative compounds, resistant varieties and decision support systems. However, it also shows that new approaches are not yet able to replace copper pesticides completely, especially in organic farming. In integrated pest management, copper preparations are important for the necessary active substance rotation and successful resistance management. The availability of such products is often essential for organic grapes, hops and fruit production and for extending the organic farming of these crops. We conclude that the complete elimination of copper pesticides is not yet practicable in organic farming as the production of several organic crops would become unprofitable and may lead to organic farmers reverting to conventional production. Several existing copper reduction strategies were, however, identified, and some, like modified forecast models adapted to organic farming, varieties more resistant to fungal diseases and new alternative products, already contribute to copper minimization in German agriculture.

An appraisal of management skills of apple growers and apple productivity at varied elevations in Himachal Pradesh

Apples are an important crop for the Himachal Pradesh state as the India’s second largest producer of fresh apples and processed apple products he present study was undertaken in an Indian Himalayan state, Himachal Pradesh, with the major aim of studying the managerial skills of the farmers and the impact of the altitudes on the apple productivities Through questionnaire survey, the farmers responses were recorded at low hills (≤2500 m), mid-hills (2500-3000 m) and upper hills (≥3000 m) amsl as a whole. At overall level, in the study area the average value of MSI was 99.58. It was further concluded that there is no major disparity between the productivities of different altitudinal zones except between E 1 zone and other elevation zones. The mean productivity varied merely from 15.54 to 17.38 MT/ha between E 2 –E 5 elevations. Statistically they were at par with each other. The computed value of critical difference was 1.94. The study area apple productivity matches with the world apple productivity. However, the productivity in the study area was found far less from the productivities attained by the many developed nations such as France. Italy, Brazil, Chile etc. Therefore, this study may be helpful for the researchers in up taking appropriate processes to fill the gaps in the managerial skills of the farmers and apple orchard productivity.

INVESTIGATING EFFECTS OF OVER-IRRIGATION AND DEFICIT IRRIGATION ON YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY IN PINK LADYTM ‘ROSY GLOW’ APPLE

Fruit production has to be adapted to climate change that is often associated with heat and water deficit episodes. To develop efficient strategies on how to manage commercial orchards under deficit water supply, we need to know the effects of water-stress on crop production. However, when the water supply is abundant apple growers often think that over-irrigation gives higher marketable fruit yield than potential evapotranspiration-based or sensor-based (e.g. tensiometer, dendrometer) irrigation. We therefore aimed to evaluate the effects of three water regimes, namely well-watered (100% of crop evapotranspiration – ETc, WW), 25% of ETc water deficit over the season (water-stressed, WS), and twofold of WW (200% of ETc, 2xWW), on midday stem water potential (SWP), crop yield and fruit quality of Pink LadyTM ‘Rosy Glow’ apples. As expected, SWP was lower in WS than in the others, but both WS and 2xWW decreased fruit yield, although 2xWW tended to increase yield in the >70% color class and ensured quite a constant amount of yield at each picking time. Soluble solid content (SSC) in fruit was higher in WS. As a whole, our results suggest that over-irrigation that is sometimes recommended to keep a safety margin should be considered with caution. Rather, a mild water-stress, between WS and WW in our experiment, may represent a good compromise for a good quality yield.

Training needs of apple growers of district Budgam, J & K

The study identified training needs of apple growers in district Budgam, J&K. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two blocks (Beerwah and Khan Sahib), four zones, eight circles and eighty apple farmers were selected for the study. Some of the data were analyzed with percentage and mean score while some were presented in charts. Majority (77.5%) of the respondents did not have contact with extension agents in 2012 and they sourced information apple from neighbours (86.3%).The mean annual expenditure and income from apple were Rs. 27, 568 and Rs. 235, 530, respectively. Majority (96.2%) of the respondents had no training on processing and preservation of apple and off season production of apple (85%). Majority of the respondents indicated that training on apple should be organized by researchers (65%) through interpersonal communication (83.8%) using local language (kashmiri) (78.8%). Provision of effective micro-credit facilities (M=2.84) and stability of government policy (stability of price of apple) (M=2.68) were perceived by the respondents as major strategies that will improve apple production in the area. The study encouraged building capacities of apple farmers through informal training especially in the areas of processing, preservation and off-season production of apple so that they can face challenges of the enterprise, boost their farm size and income.

A New Insight into Pruning Strategy in the Biennial Cycle of Fruiting: Vegetative Growth at Shoot and Whole-tree Level, Yield and Fruit Quality of Apple

Knowledge of the growth dynamics of young and mature trees contribute to development of efficient orchard management practices. In this experiment, the aim was to provide apple growers with practical information on how vegetative growth (at both shoot and whole-tree level), yield and fruit quality change during the transition period, from young to mature trees. The experiment orchard was planted at 3.5 m × 1 m inter-row and intra-row spacings, respectively, with ‘Golden Delicious’/M.9 trees. Trees were trained since planting as modified vertical axis. Vegetative growth at shoot level reacted differently to yield load than that at the whole-tree level. The yield, yield efficiency and annual canopy volume increase and decrease (a vegetative growth indicator at the whole-tree level) showed a positive correlation with shoot length. TCSA (annual increase and actual TCSA), as another vegetative growth indicator at whole-tree level in the experiment, correlated negatively with shoot length. The yield varied biennially and, was greatest in the seventh year after planting (21.76±8.46 kg tree-1, corresponding to an orchard yield of ~62 t ha-1) that is an acceptable tonnage in the region of the experiment. To maintain the balance between vegetative growth and fruiting, orchard management practices should be conducted considering yield. No pruning or light pruning is recommended in the ‘off-year’ of biennial cycle of fruiting as a result of this study.

Modelling the impact of an insecticide treatment on codling moth populations

Most codling moth development models are based on degree-days and adult catches obtained in orchards. These models accurately predict the first developmental stages of the codling moth but become imprecise in commercial orchards subjected to repeated applications of insecticides that affect the survival of the pest. In order to develop an interactive bio-climatic model for the development of codling moth populations in apple orchards, we conducted insecticide toxicity tests. Six insecticide treatments were applied topically to eggs and larvae, and mortality was assessed 7-10 days after application. The highest mortality rate of eggs on fruits (ca. 80%) was achieved with the neonicotinoids Assail (acetamiprid) and Calypso (thiacloprid). The growth regulators Intrepid (methoxyfenozide) and Rimon (novaluron) were the only other insecticides more toxic than the control, causing near 50% mortality, but only for eggs. As for larvae, the highest mortality rates (90 and 75%) were achieved with Delegate (spinetoram) and Intrepid, respectively. The Calypso, Altacor (chlorantraniliprole) and Assail treatments had a significant topical larvicidal effect when compared to the control, but the Rimon treatment did not. These data, combined with those evaluating the residual effects of the same insecticides on eggs and larvae, were implemented into an interactive platform included in the model. The platform allows the user to visualize the predicted impact of a specific insecticide treatment sprayed on codling moth populations. This model is available online and is used by more than one hundred apple growers and advisors.

Political ecology of climate change: Shifting orchards and a temporary landscape of opportunity

As the global climate and local weather patterns change, the apple belt of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Indian Himalaya has been migrating to higher elevations. Kinnaur District has experienced rising affluence over the last two decades driven by its growing apple economy, the rapid expansion of which may not have been possible without climate change. As the climate continues to change, new opportunities and risks are emerging. Forests and pasturelands that were once uncultivable and least accessible are gradually becoming preferred land for orchards, while some older, lower elevation orchards are experiencing lower productivity. This paper observes the role that climate change has played in shifting patterns of agricultural production, driving land use change – both enabling and threatening Kinnaur’s current ‘Golden Era.’ Lessons may be learned from detailed attention to the specific circumstances under which climate change is beneficial or detrimental. The findings of this qualitative ethnographic research suggest that for Kinnaur, climate change has had net favorable consequences thus far. Balanced against these climate-related gains are also emerging risks – increasing pests and diseases, declining productivity of lower elevation orchards, soil depletion, and over-dependence on a single source of livelihood. As the climate and markets continue to change, they may not favor Kinnauri apple growers in the long term. Without thoughtful planning, this current window of opportunity could be squandered. Good land stewardship and livelihood diversification might make the Kinnauri economy more sustainable.

Effects of Fungicides and Spray Application Interval on Controlling Marssonina Blotch of Apple in the Loess Plateau Region of China.

Marssonina blotch, caused by the fungus Marssonina coronariae, is a serious foliar disease on apple in East Asia as well as in other moist temperate regions in Asia, Europe, and South America. Several fungicides were investigated for their toxicity to mycelial growth and conidial germination of the pathogen in vitro. Tebuconazole, kresoxim-methyl, hexaconazole, propiconazole, and a mixture of tebuconazole and benziothiazolinone sharply inhibited mycelial growth but had less effect on conidial germination. Field tests were conducted in a commercial orchard in Baishui County, Shaanxi Province, China, during 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 in order to develop recommendations for apple growers. Three applications of tebuconazole, hexaconazole, propiconazole, or a mixture of tebuconazole and benziothiazolinone at 20-day intervals from early July to late August resulted in defoliation incidence of <5%. When sprays of Bordeaux mixture + tebuconazole, Bordeaux mixture + propiconazole, and Bordeaux mixture + tebuconazole and benziothiazolinone were alternated, the spray interval was extended to 25 days and defoliation incidence remained <5%. Based on historical records and our results, scouting for symptoms should begin in mid-June. We recommend commencing the spray period in early July in years with normal rainfall patterns, and spraying in mid- to late June in years with much rainfall. The findings of this study create a foundation for implementation of an efficient spray program against Marssonina leaf blotch in apple orchards in the Loess Plateau Region of China.

Evaluation of Existing, Desired Competencies and Skills of Apple Growers in Low and High Altitude Regions of Shopian, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, India

Evaluation of Existing, Desired Competencies and Skills of Apple Growers in Low and High Altitude Regions of Shopian, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, India

Assessment of Thematic Areas for Training Needs of Apple Growers in Shopian of Jammu and Kashmir Districts, India

Assessment of Thematic Areas for Training Needs of Apple Growers in Shopian of Jammu and Kashmir Districts, India

An Assessment of Existing, Desired Competencies and Skills of Apple Growers in Mid Altitude Areas of District Shopian in Jammu &amp; Kashmir

An Assessment of Existing, Desired Competencies and Skills of Apple Growers in Mid Altitude Areas of District Shopian in Jammu &amp; Kashmir

An Analysis of Socio-personal Characteristics of Apple Growers and Their Attitude towards Apple Cultivation in District Shopian of J&amp;K

An Analysis of Socio-personal Characteristics of Apple Growers and Their Attitude towards Apple Cultivation in District Shopian of J&amp;K

Economic Evaluation of Apple Harvest and In-Field Sorting Technology

Abstract. The U.S. apple industry, which generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue at the farm gate in 2013, is facing critical challenges with decreased availability of labor and increased labor and production costs. To address these challenges, a self-propelled apple harvest and in-field sorting machine is being developed in our laboratory. This article reports on the economic evaluation of this prototype machine by considering machine cost (annual ownership and operating costs), harvest productivity increase (including that due to decreased occupational injuries), and cost savings in postharvest storage and packing resulting from in-field sorting of fresh market quality apples from processing apples for both fresh apple growers and processing apple growers. The economic evaluation was conducted based on the assumptions that the machine increases harvest productivity by 43% to 63% and operates for 360 h during the harvest season. For fresh apple orchards with processing apple incidences of 5% to 15%, the net annual benefits that would accrue from owning one machine range from $13,500 to $78,400 when the machine price is between $100,000 and $160,000. For processing apple orchards with processing apple incidences of 80% to 90% and the same machine price range, the net annual benefits that would accrue from owning one machine range from $23,900 to $81,700. Overall, the benefits gained from in-field sorting outweigh those from the harvest productivity increase, and integration of the harvest-assist and in-field sorting functions is more beneficial to apple growers. This technology will help the U.S. apple industry improve labor productivity and reduce production costs, and thus it looks promising for commercialization. Keywords: Apples, Economic evaluation, Harvest-assist, In-field sorting, Machinery system, Occupational injuries.

Training need assessment of apple growers of district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

The study conducted on 100 growers selected randomly from five villages of Pooh block of district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh revealed that 55 per cent of them had medium level of knowledge about scientific cultivation of apple. A majority of the respondents had knowledge about varieties of apple (100%), pollinators in apple orchards (98%), optimum time of pruning (91%), time of planting in the field (89%) and the number of days a field should be left open before planting (84%) but lacked knowledge in the areas of weed control, management of insect pests and diseases, fruit setting and control of fruit dropping. This implies that technical knowledge in the form of short duration training programmes, on the spot guidance, demonstrations etc on the above aspects should be provided to them. The respondents needed training in postharvest technology, fruit setting, application of manures and fertilizers, weed control and marketing of apple. Unprecedented weather conditions followed by frequent road blockage particularly at the time of marketing and lack of marketing knowledge etc were some of the main constraints faced by them. The respondents suggested that the trainings should be need-based, given on practical aspects, conducted at a convenient place and they should be informed well in time.

An Inquiry into the Problems of Apple Production and Marketing in the Perspective of Apple Growers in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh

An Inquiry into the Problems of Apple Production and Marketing in the Perspective of Apple Growers in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh

Diversification towards Horticulture Crops: Role of Risk and Uncertainty in Resource Allocation Decisions of Apple Growers in Kashmir Valley

The diversification towards Horticulture crops is highly remunerative but also risky as price of crops fluctuate widely. By allocating more land towards high value crops farmers not only take risk of fluctuating prices and yield but also take consumption risk by reducing the area under subsistence food crops. This paper, based on primary survey data, has examined the land allocation decisions of farmers towards horticulture crops and several factors influencing these decisions. The paper examines the role of price expectations of farmers in land allocation decisions and input-use propensities and factors influencing the price expectations. It also analyzes the risk attitude and factors influencing the risk behavior of farmers in allocation resources towards horticulture crops

Economic Analysis of Integrated Pest Management Adoption in Apple Cultivation: a Turkish Case Study

This study aims to determine adoption level of farmers to integrated pest management (IPM) program and also to analyse the agricultural pesticide usage in apple growing. The primary data includes a research carried out through a questionnaire method which was conducted to apple producers in Antalya, Denizli, Isparta, Karaman, Konya and Nigde. According to the information received from the survey farms were separated into four groups according to IPM adoption level. It has been found out that the amount of pesticides used per hectare decreases according to the adoption of integrated pest management. While 1 kg apple cost found USD 0.40 in farms which does not follow IPM, USD 0.38 in farms which follow IPM. However, net profit per hectare is USD 556.75 in farms which does not follow integrated pest management; it is USD 482.51 in farms which follow high level IPM. In conclusion; to implement an efficient IPM, producers primarily should take cultural precautions and in the last resort they should look for chemical methods. They should avoid extreme use of nitrogenous fertilization, they should use high quality saplings, create a suitable ecological infrastructure and habitat management to conserve natural enemies of pests, select environment friendly pesticides, make descriptions of natural enemies of apple pests, give trainings about how to prevent pests contamination.

On-farm and on-station evaluations of three orchard management approaches against apple scab and apple powdery mildew

In a three-year study (from 2012 to 2014), the efficacy of three apple management approaches (conventional, standard and advanced Integrated Pest Management – CON, IPM1 and IPM2, respectively) was aimed to investigate against apple scab and apple powdery mildew in on-station (small research scale) and on-farm (real large farm scale using existing farm equipment) experiments in order to promote practical adoption of environmentally sustainable management methods. CON used generally applied conventional pest management practices (disease/pest forecasting coupled with conventional pesticide use). IPM1 used a generally applied integrated pest management practices in most European countries (disease/pest forecasting, yellow/green-list fungicide use coupled with pruning against both diseases, yellow/green-list insecticide use coupled with mating disruption against insects). IPM2 used an advanced integration of known non-chemical practices, accepting most principles of organic farming guidelines (disease/pest forecasting, delayed fungicide applications with green-list fungicide use, pruning against both diseases coupled with orchard sanitation, biological control and mating disruption against insects). Scab and powdery mildew incidences were not significantly different between IPM1 and CON while disease incidences were significantly higher in IPM2 compared to either CON or IPM1 (P = 0.05). Overall yield was not significantly different among the three management approaches. However, the amounts of first class fruit were the highest in CON and IPM1 which were significantly higher (P = 0.05) than that of in IPM2. The amount of second class fruit was the highest in IPM2, indicating a lower fruit quality in IPM2 than in CON or IPM1. In addition, overall disease incidences and fruit quality were generally lower in the on-farm than in the on-station conditions. Our research suggested that elements of IPM1 can be easily adopted by apple growers. Despite the advanced integration of non-chemical control practices in IPM2, its future adoption will depend on the control efficacy and the economic sustainability of non-chemical control practices.