Apple Production Research Articles

Dwarfism mechanism in Malus clonal rootstocks.

The dwarfing mechanism in apple clonal rootstocks is driven by complex interactions between anatomical, hormonal, genetic, and phenolic factors, offering potential for advanced genetic manipulation to optimize tree size and enhance orchard productivity. The widespread adoption of dwarfing rootstocks is pivotal to modern commercial apple (Malus × domestica Borkh) orchards due to their ability to control tree size, shorten the juvenile period, and enhance reproductive growth and overall productivity. The underlying mechanisms of rootstock-induced dwarfism are multifaceted and involve interactions between phenotypic, anatomical, genetic, and phytohormonal factors. This review consolidates current understanding, highlighting the importance of auxin (IAA), cytokinins (CKs), gibberellins (GAs), and abscisic acid (ABA) in mediating growth suppression through impaired transport and hormone signaling. The phenotypic impacts, including reduced root growth, shorter sylleptic shoots, and higher floral bud densities, are discussed alongside genetic loci such as Dw1, Dw2, and Dw3, and the influence of key genes/TFs like MdWRKY9, RGL, and PIN. Anatomically, dwarf rootstocks exhibit a higher bark-to-wood ratio and restricted hydraulic conductivity, which contribute to reduced scion vigour. Furthermore, the accumulation of phenolic compounds in the graft union of dwarfing rootstocks further modulates the growth inhibition. These insights lay the groundwork for advanced molecular breeding strategies, incorporating gene-editing technologies to improve dwarf rootstock development, providing avenues for enhanced orchard management and apple productivity.

Comparative Investigation of Aroma-Active Volatiles in ("Ruixue", "Liangzhi", "Crystal Fuji," and "Guifei") Apples by Application of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Olfactometry (GC-MS-O) and Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (GC × GC-qMS) Coupled with Sensory Molecular Science.

Aroma dramatically impacts the overall flavor profiles and consumer acceptance; therefore, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the aroma characteristics of apples. In this study, the aroma differences among four popular apple varieties ("Ruixue", "Liangzhi", "Crystal Fuji," and "Guifei") were compared using two extraction methods (headspace-solid phase microextraction, and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O) and two-dimensional gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-qMS). A total of 82 odorants were identified via GC-MS-O, and 143 volatiles were identified by GC× GC-qMS. Among them, 41 key aroma-active compounds (butanal, ethyl acetate, 3-methylbutanal, methyl butanoate, 2-methylpropyl acetate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, butyl acetate, hexanal, 2-methylbutyl acetate, 1-butanol, 2-methylpropyl butanoate, 3-methylbutyl acetate, (E)-2-hexenal, butyl butanoate, butyl 2-methylbutanoate, hexyl acetate, hexyl butanoate, hexyl, 2-methylbutanoate, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-methylthiopropanol, 1,3-octanediol, linalyl acetate, and so on) with high odor activity values (OAVs) and AI value (odor activity values ≥1 or aroma intensity ≥3) were identified. Partial least-squares-discriminant analysis showed that Ruixue exhibited a high "fruity" note, Guifei and Crystal Fuji had the greatest "wood," "floral," and "sweet" notes, while Liangzhi presented a significant "green" note. This study provided flavor chemistry support for the apple quality control and production.

Comparative Evaluation of Calcium Sources and their Mode of Use on Apple Production in Acidic Soil under High Density Plantation System

Apples grown in Kashmir province are extremely prone to deterioration, particularly in post-harvest storage. Calcium is amongst the vital mineral element deceiving apple fruit quality, predominantly in acid soils deficit in available calcium. Calcium in sufficient quantity helps to retain apple fruit firmness and reduces the occurrence of physiological disorders, it also plays essential role to improve yield and quality of produce. Modes of calcium application and its different doses on two apple varieties was tested to improve yield and quality at Ambri Apple Research Centre, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, India. The direct application of calcium to apple as spray is most effective method for escalating fruit calcium content and quality. Among sources and their mode of application calcium nitrate foliar application performed better than foliar application of calcium chloride in improving fruit quality and yield of Golden Delicious than Red Chief Camspur, whereas soil application of calcium nitrate showed least response to improve fruit quality and yield in both varieties under acidic soil atmosphere. Physiological loss in weight at 30 days and 60 days after harvesting was lower in foliar applied calcium than soil calcium application. The significant variation in total sugar content and TSS of apple fruits were observed in different calcium sources and their mode of application. Calcium nitrate foliar spray performed better than calcium chloride foliar spray in improving fruit quality. Our study did not find any adversity of dosage in plants whether applied to soil or directly to plant and we did observe better yields and quality at higher calcium doses. Among varieties Golden Delicious performed better than Red Chief Camspur. Results of research evidenced that preharvest calcium sprays increase yield, improved fruit quality and reduced its deterioration in post-harvest storage.

How Does the Adoption of e‐Commerce Impact the Selling Prices of Agricultural Products? Empirical Evidence From Apple Farmers in China

ABSTRACTThe sale of products through e‐commerce is emerging in rural China, and it cuts out intermediaries and allows farmers direct access to the market. To understand how adopting e‐commerce impacts the selling prices of agricultural products and who benefits more from adopting e‐commerce, we interviewed 480 apple farmers from the three representative provinces in China. The Propensity Score Matching approach combined with sensitivity analysis is employed to address the potential self‐selection bias in estimating the impacts of adopting e‐commerce. We find that adopting of e‐commerce drives significant increases in the selling prices of apple products, including the average price, the maximum price and the minimum price. The heterogeneity analysis suggests that the adoption of e‐commerce has significant heterogeneous effects on selling prices across various ages and education of household heads, land area, distance to the local town centre and social capital. The analysis of potential pathways reveals that increases in selling prices are attributed to farmers achieving more marketing flexibility through more adaptable sale times and extended sale periods due to adopting e‐commerce. The research findings provide rigorous evidence on optimal future policy design regarding the development of rural e‐commerce for poverty alleviation in China and other developing countries.

Financial Analysis of Apple's Product Pricing Strategy

Abstract: Due to the rise of other domestic mobile phone brands, iPhone updates have slowed down and become less attractive to consumers, resulting in excess iPhone inventory. In response to this situation, in early 2024, Apple began to implement a price reduction strategy, and the price of Apple's iPhone dropped significantly. Given this phenomenon, this paper studies the financial status of Apple in the past three years, including profitability, operating ability and debt-paying ability, and puts forward the problems of Apple's declining cash flow ability in recent years, weakening short-term debt-paying ability, and unsalable inventory products. However, gross profit margin increased slightly and net profit margin on sales was also little changed. Finally, the paper analyzes the reasons for the sharp price reduction of the iPhone and puts forward some suggestions for Apple's future development, such as strengthening product innovation, promoting old products, and reducing the backlog of old products.

The Ecotoxicity of Pesticides Used in Conventional Apple and Grapevine Production in Austria Is Much Higher for Honeybees, Birds and Earthworms than Nature-Based Substances Used in Organic Production

It is debated whether the ecotoxicity of active substances (ASs) contained in synthetic pesticides applied in conventional agriculture (conASs) differs from nature-based ASs used in organic agriculture (orgASs). Using the official pesticide use statistics, we evaluated the ecotoxicity of ASs used in apple and grapevine production in Austria. In 2022, 49 conASs and 21 orgASs were authorized for apple production and 60 conASs and 23 orgASs were authorized for grapevine production in Austria. Based on the latest publicly available data on the actual use of pesticides in apple and grapevine production (from the year 2017), we evaluated their ecotoxicity based on information in the freely accessible Pesticide Properties and Bio-Pesticides Databases. The results showed that although the amount of ASs applied per hectare of field was higher in organic farming, the intrinsic toxicities of ASs used in conventional farming were much higher. The number of lethal toxic doses (LD50) of ASs applied in conventional apple orchards was 645%, 15%, and 6011% higher for honeybees, birds, and earthworms, respectively, than in organic apple production. In conventional vineyards, lethal doses for honeybees, birds, and earthworms were 300%, 129%, and 299% higher than in organic vineyards. We conclude that promoting organic farming would therefore contribute to the better protection of biodiversity on agricultural land and beyond.

Analysis of economic indicators of four drying methods applied on three apple cultivars

Fruits are one of the main components of a healthy diet. They have many benefits and are recommended for regular consumption as part of a varied healthy diet. However, they are seasonal fruits, some need to be processed to ensure more extended storage and consumption throughout the year. The research aims to analyse the economic indicators of three apple cultivars (Golden Delicious, Florina and Freedom) dried by four methods (sun-died, shade-dried, dehydration, lyophilization). The methodological framework of the study includes: (1) Theoretical overview of apple drying methods; (2) Analysis of the economic indicators of apple drying – gross output, production and additional costs, net income, and rate of return; (3) Determining the benefits and drawbacks of drying apple products. It was found that the drying methods – sun-dried, shade-dried, and lyophilization – have a higher rate of profitability, while dehydration has a lower rate. The lyophilization method is the most profitable for production with Florina, followed by Freedom and Golden Delicious. Keywords: dried apple method, gross output, rate of return, production costs, net income

Comparative Analysis of Some Morpho-cultural Characters of Venturia inaequalis (Apple Scab Pathogen) under Kashmir Conditions

Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) represents one of the most widely cultivated and economically important temperate fruit crops in the world. However, its cultivation faces significant challenges due to various fungal pathogens, particularly apple scab inflicted by Venturia inaequalis, which has a profound impact on the yield and quality of apple, resulting in substantial economic loss. The pervasive nature of V. inaequalis and its ability to damage crops poses a serious threat to sustainable apple production. In this study, the morpho-cultural characteristics of V. inaequalis were systematically analyzed and compared between the Shopian and Baramullah districts of the Kashmir Valley. Ten isolates from each district were grown on Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for comparative analysis. The colonies were characterized by a compact hue ranging from greyish-green to blackish and exhibited a densely velvety texture. Mycelial growth was predominantly aerial, with some isolates displaying partial irregularity in colony margins, while others exhibited greater uniformity. The mean colony radii for potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar media was measured as 23.01 mm and 28.50 mm for the Shopian district, and 28.09 mm and 33.33 mm for the Baramullah district, respectively. The mean conidial spore density was recorded at 27.87 spores/cm² for the Baramullah district and 34.67 spores/cm² for the district Shopian, respectively. This variation could be attributed to several factors, including genetic diversity within the pathogen populations, differences in altitude, climate, and other environmental factors, the selection pressure exerted by fungicide applications, the emergence of novel pathogen races, and phenotypic plasticity driven by the differing agricultural practices and microclimatic conditions in the respective regions.

Analysis of Growth Trends, Regional Variations and Productivity Metrics of Apple Cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, India

India has seen a spatial escalation on apple growth and it fostered the country’s economy and employment opportunities of the apple growing states. States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh are primarily known for apple production. Therefore, we worked on the secondary data on apple growth trends, its production from the different sources and analyzed it through growth rate, decomposition analysis and instability index techniques to quantify the production metrics and trend shift. Our findings reported that between1973–1974 to 2021–2022, there was an increase found in the global area, productivity and production of apples in Asia and India. The output of apples worldwide has found to be escalated at a compound annual growth rate of 2.51%, whereas, India has experienced a notable rise of 3.40 percent annually. The majority of the apple's area, output and productivity came from the Asian region, with growth rates of 3.38, 5.97, and 2.59 %, respectively. Furthermore, Worldwide scenario on apple cultivation reported that Poland had the highest relative instability in apple productivity (21.44%), followed by India (15.96%), China (12.53%), Turkey (11.18%) and USA (8.61%). Area yield effect was used to explain the rise in apple output in Asia, however, area expansion was found as the primary cause of increase in area under apple production. In Himachal Pradesh, Zone III has the greatest average yearly productivity (4.78%), followed by Zone II (3.35 %) and Zone IV (0.57%). In zones III and IV, the expansion of area (96.93%) and yields (85.13%) was the reason for the increase in apple production, however, in zone II, the yield effect (102.05%) was the only cause found for the increase in apple’s production.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВИБОРУ СТРАТЕГІЙ ПОЗИЦІОНУВАННЯ МАЛИХ ФЕРМЕРСЬКИХ ГОСПОДАРСТВ-ВИРОБНИКІВ ЯБЛУК

For a long time, small farms were left out of marketing strategies, focusing on cultivation and traditional schemes for the sale of their products. Marketing entered agricultural industries later than industrial and consumer markets, which creates gaps in the use of marketing tools. Modern challenges actualize the mechanisms of selection, development and implementation of positioning strategies for small farms. The purpose of the article is to research and analyze the features of the market and marketing environment in which small apple farms operate and, accordingly, research the impact of the identified features on the choice of positioning strategies of these enterprises. The object of the study is positioning strategies of small farms producing apples. Methods used in the research: desk analysis, clustering method, target audience segmentation method, methods of analysis, synthesis and logical generalization, method of generalization of national experience, etc. The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that relationship marketing at the level of the B2B segment imposes its specificity on all areas of marketing activity of small farms producing apples, including on the processes of their positioning. Main Content. Classical strategies are not always applicable in the field of agricultural production, where success often depends on the ability to establish connections and cooperation with intermediaries, distribution partners, service organizations, local authorities, the labor market, and others. This necessitates the more active use of positioning strategies by agricultural producers. Apple farming in Ukraine is a strong sector of horticulture and agricultural production as a whole. It ensures the country's food security, creates significant export flows, supplies raw materials to the food industry, is a major consumer of machinery and chemicals, and provides substantial employment. Currently, a significant number of agricultural enterprises in the Chernivtsi region are engaged in apple farming. It has been established that all apple producers in this region can be categorized as small farms. It is noted that widely accepted positioning strategies need to be adapted to meet the needs of small-scale agricultural producers. The article emphasizes that among all possible positioning strategies, only a limited number are suitable for them—those focusing on the quality of the product, the "quality" of the supplier, the "quality" of the partner, and the "quality" of the employer. Given that positioning strategies require targeting a specific audience, the author identifies the following target audiences for small farms: 1) Wholesale intermediaries and buyers, 2) Local competitors, 3) Permanent and seasonal workers, 4) The local community. Originality and Practical Significance of the Study. The research analyzes practical experience and takes into account the current realities of the agricultural sector to develop effective recommendations for its application in the strategic planning of the mentioned enterprises. Conclusions and prospects for further research. The research on the characteristics of the highly competitive apple agrimarket justifies the need for small farms to develop a comprehensive positioning strategy, which includes the following components: positioning the farm as a reliable partner for wholesalers and intermediaries; positioning the farm as a trustworthy partner for cooperation and collaboration; positioning the farm as a dependable employer; and positioning the farm as a producer and supplier of high-quality products.

Melatonin mitigates root growth inhibition and carbon-nitrogen metabolism imbalance in apple rootstock M9T337 under high nitrogen stress.

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for plant growth, development, and metabolism. In apple production, the excessive use of N fertilizer may cause high N stress. Whether high N stress can be alleviated by regulating melatonin supply is unclear. The effects of melatonin on root morphology, antioxidant enzyme activity and 13C and 15N accumulation in apple rootstock M9T337 treated with high N were studied by soil culture. The results showed that correctly raising the melatonin supply level is helpful to root development of M9T337 rootstock under severe N stress. Compared with HN treatment, HN+MT treatment increased root and leaf growth by 11.38%, and 28.01%, respectively. Under high N conditions, appropriately increasing melatonin level can activate antioxidant enzyme activity, reduce lipid peroxidation in roots, protect root structural integrity, promote the transport of sorbitol and sucrose to roots, and promote further degradation and utilization of sorbitol and sucrose in roots, which is conducive to the accumulation of photosynthetic products, thereby reducing the inhibitory effect of high N treatment on root growth. Based on the above research results, we found that under high N stress, melatonin significantly promotes nitrate absorption, enhances N metabolism enzyme activity, and upregulates related gene expression, and regulate N uptake and utilization in the M9T337 rootstock. These results presented a fresh notion for improving N application and preserving carbon-nitrogen balance.

Impact of regional climate change on apple yield in Himachal Pradesh, India

Climate change has become a major global as well as regional challenge because of its adverse effects on biodiversity and agriculture. Himachal Pradesh, a state in India, is situated in the western Indian Himalayan region, which predominantly features an agricultural economy, with apple being the major cash crop of the region. This paper presents the trend analysis of climatic parameters to delineate the effect of climate change on the apple yield in the region from 1991 to 2018. The temperature and rainfall data were obtained from the Indian metrological department, while snowfall data and ambient air quality data were collected from the database of NASA. The chill unit was calculated using the UTAH model. The climatic parameters were compared with apple yield to identify the impact of climate change on the crop. Therefore, apple yield reduction risk was calculated. The trend analysis indicated a temperature decrease during the monsoon months and a temperature increase during winters. The same analysis also indicated decreased snowfall by 0.375 kg/m2 and increased rainfall during the spring season by 23.2 mm, 19.6 mm, 10.4 mm (between mid-February and mid-April from 1985 to 2020). The chill units and apple production showed a positive correlation. In summary, our results indicated that climate change has reduced the apple yield by 11.48%.

Assessment of Fungal and Contamination of Ochratoxin A and Patulin in Foods Susceptible to Contamination in the Yangzhou Market, China

The conducive conditions of warm and humid climates can facilitate mold proliferation and subsequent mycotoxin production during food processing and distribution, thereby posing a potential risk to consumer health. However, there exists a significant lack of research regarding the diversity of molds and the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) and patulin (PAT) in food products available in the Yangzhou market. This study was conducted to assess OTA contamination levels and fungal presence in 57 cereal-based food samples, as well as PAT contamination levels and fungal presence in 50 types of foods, including apples, hawthorn berries, pears, and their derivatives. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was detected in 17 out of 57 cereal-based food samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.93 to 32.69 μg/kg. The contamination rate was determined to be 31.48%, and no samples exceeded the established regulatory limits. Furthermore, seven apple products were identified as contaminated with patulin (PAT), exhibiting concentrations between 26.85 and 192.78 μg/kg. Additionally, three food samples derived from hawthorn showed PAT contamination levels ranging from 29.83 to 88.56 μg/kg. Through purification on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, observation of colony morphology, and analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, a total of 35 fungal strains belonging to 13 genera were identified in cereal-based foods. The predominant genera in cereals included Talaromyces, Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. Additionally, twelve fungal strains from five genera (Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aureobasidium, Curvularia, and Alternaria) were isolated and identified in fruits and their derivatives. The findings indicate that OTA and PAT toxins are one of the important risk factors that threaten consumer health. Furthermore, the contamination of some other toxigenic strains is also a matter of substantial concern, with potential implications for consumer health.

The Effect of Promotion and Price on Consumer Decisions in Buying Apple Products at the Royal Store in Pontianak City

This study explores the impact of promotion and price on consumer purchasing decisions regarding Apple products at Toko Royal in Pontianak. The rapid growth of technology and communication tools has heightened the demand for smartphones, particularly those offered by well-known brands like Apple. By analyzing data from 100 respondents through questionnaires and interviews, this research aims to examine the influence of promotional strategies and pricing on consumer choices. The findings indicate that while promotion does not significantly affect purchasing decisions, price plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior. The results underscore the importance of pricing strategies in maintaining a competitive edge in the smartphone market. This study offers insights for businesses looking to optimize their marketing efforts and pricing models to enhance customer acquisition and retention.

Functional and Proteomic Analyses of a Putative Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthase Large Subunit in Relation to Virulence, Arginine and Pyrimidine Biosynthesis, and Siderophore Production in Erwinia amylovora

The apple is a significant global fruit cultivated extensively worldwide. Fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora (Ea), poses a significant threat to global apple production. To control this disease, characterizing the virulence mechanisms/factors is imperative. Carbamoyl phosphate synthase is an essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of arginine and pyrimidine. However, the functions of this protein in Ea remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the functions of the carbamoyl phosphate synthase large subunit in Ea (CarBEa). In a virulence assay using fruitlets, an Ea strain lacking CarBEa exhibited significantly reduced virulence on fruitlets. In the auxotrophy assay, this mutant failed to grow in minimal media lacking both arginine and pyrimidine, but growth was restored when both compounds were supplemented. The comparative proteomic analysis suggests that CarBEa is involved in diverse biological processes, including amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, and inorganic ion transport. Finally, we demonstrated that CarBEa is related to siderophore secretion/production by the chrome azurol S agar plate assay. This report provides valuable insights into the functions of carbamoyl phosphate synthase large subunit, which serves as a potential target for developing efficient anti-virulence substances to control fire blight.

Potential Ecological Distribution of the Beetle Agrilus mali Matsumura (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in China under Three Climate Change Scenarios, with Consequences for Commercial and Wild Apple Forests.

The apple jewel beetle (AJB), Agrilus mali Matsumura (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is a dangerous pest of commercial apple orchards across China, the largest apple production country in the world, and has recently become invasive in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of northwestern China, where wild apple forests also occur. This pest poses a serious threat to apple production and wild apple forests throughout the world. Global warming is expected to change the geographical distribution of A. mali in China, but the extent of this is unknown. Based on empirical data from 1951 to 2000, a MaxEnt model was used to forecast the ecological distribution of A. mali under three different climate scenarios projected in the fifth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The results showed that the most important variables were the maximum temperature of November, precipitation in January, and minimum temperatures in April. Under all climate scenarios, the forecasted suitable regions for A. mali in China will expand northward in the 2050s and 2070s. The forecasted highly suitable regions will be 1.11-1.34 times larger than they are currently, and their central distributions will be 61.57-167.59 km further north. These findings suggest that the range and damage caused by A. mali in China will increase dramatically in the future. Monitoring and management measures should be implemented urgently to protect both the commercial apple industry and wild apple resources.

Patulin inhibition of specific apple microbiome members uncovers Hanseniaspora uvarum as a potential biocontrol agent.

Penicillium expansum is a major postharvest pathogen of apples, causing loss in fruits through tissue damage, as well as in apple products due to contamination with the mycotoxin patulin. During infections, patulin is a cultivar-dependent virulence factor that facilitates apple lesion development. Patulin also has characterized antimicrobial activity and is important for inhibiting other competitive phytopathogens, but the role of this inhibitory activity has not been investigated in the context of the apple microbiome. In our current study, we isolated 68 apple microbiota and characterized their susceptibility to P. expansum extracts. We found Gram-negative bacteria and Basidiomycete yeast to demonstrate largely patulin-specific growth inhibition compared to Gram-positive and Ascomycete isolates. From co-cultures, we identified a Hanseniaspora and Gluconobacter pairing that reduced P. expansum biomass and found that Hanseniaspora uvarum alone is sufficient to reduce apple disease progression in vivo. We investigated possible mechanisms of H. uvarum biocontrol activity and found modest inhibition on apple puree plates, as well as a trend toward lower patulin levels at the wound site. Active biocontrol activity required live yeast, which also were effective in controlling Botrytis cinerea apple infections. Lastly, we explored the breadth of H. uvarum biocontrol activity with over 30 H. uvarum isolates and found consistent inhibition of P. expansum apple disease.

An integrated approach for assessing the health risks of pesticide residues on apple: From field dynamics to human exposure

The apple (Malus domestica), a cultivated fruit extensively grown in temperate regions worldwide, is abundant in nutrients and phytochemicals that promote health. However, the application of pesticides in apple cultivation raises significant concern regarding their influence on food safety. This study investigated the dynamic behavior of five pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, carbendazim, prochloraz, in apple trees, utilizing both field experiments and predictive modeling to analyze their distribution, transfer, and degradation patterns. Results from the field experiment revealed that at harvest, the residue levels of the five pesticides on apple were below international and national maximum residue limits. The dynamiCROP modeling results, corresponding to the field trial findings, demonstrated that these pesticides exhibited comparable dissipation patterns across various environmental compartments. The primary sources of pesticides in apples were the air and the fruit surface up to 10 days after application, while the soil and leaf surface became the main sources over time. The transferred pesticides adhered to the apple fruits at varying rates and persist therein. Choosing pesticides with lower impact scores helped reduce the impacts on human health and the environment. The assessment of health risks associated with consuming apples containing pesticide residues suggested that the impact on human health is acceptable. These findings were crucial for apple producers, as they enable the optimization of pesticide application timing to ensure compliance with food safety standards and help improve pesticide management strategies in agriculture. This study is essential for minimizing the environmental impact of pesticides and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Adoption of green production technologies by farmers through traditional and digital agro-technology promotion–An example of physical versus biological control technologies

Traditional and digital agro-technology promotion are two critical methods for disseminating agricultural technology information, which effectively encourages farmers to employ green production technologies. This paper empirically examines the effects of traditional and digital agro-technology promotion on the adoption of green production technologies by 619 apple producers in the primary apple production area of Guanzhong Plain, China, using micro-survey data. The study's findings suggest that both promotion models significantly influence the adoption of green production technologies by farmers. This conclusion remains valid after the instrumental variables approach and a series of robustness tests are implemented to address endogeneity concerns. The heterogeneity analysis revealed that the impact of the two promotion modes on the adoption behavior of green production technologies by farmers varied by scale. Specifically, digital agro-technology promotion had a greater impact on the adoption of physical control technologies by small-scale farmers, while traditional agro-technology promotion had a greater impact on the adoption of biological control technologies by large-scale households. In addition, the technological differences between traditional agrotechnology promotion and digital agrotechnology promotion result in clear complementary and substitution effects. The two modes of promotion have evident complementary effects for biological control technologies. The two modalities of promotion for physical control technologies exhibit complementary effects between social communication-type promotions and traditional agro-technology promotions, as well as substitution effects between short-video promotions and traditional agro-technology promotions.

Path Optimization of Two-Posture Manipulator of Apple Packing Robots

Automated packing is urgently needed in apple production. This paper proposes an improved genetic algorithm fused with an optimal parameter selection algorithm to optimize the two-posture manipulator working path of packing robots. First, the structure and working principle of the packing robot were designed. Second, the kinematics and packing paths of the two-posture manipulator were analyzed. Finally, the path optimization method for the two-posture manipulator was introduced. The method was based on the improved genetic algorithm by using a two-level coding and region crossover operator. The parameter values can be automatically determined by the optimal parameter selection algorithm. Ten repeated comparative tests show that the total packing time is 23.86 s under the working conditions of four grasping points and fourteen placing points. The optimal performance of the proposed algorithm is better than that of the traditional genetic algorithm, and the average optimization amplitudes are 14.63%, 15.42%, 16.24%, and 13.82% for 9-groove, 12-groove, 14-groove, and 16-groove trays, respectively. The proposed algorithm can effectively prevent the premature convergence problem of the traditional genetic algorithm and the optimization process instability problem, improve the range of optimization, and reduce the manipulator working time during packing.