Apple Production Research Articles

Integrative physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analysis reveals the drought responses of two apple rootstock cultivars

BackgroundDrought is considered the main environmental factor restricting apple production and thus the development of the apple industry. Rootstocks play an important role in enhancing the drought tolerance of apple plants. Studies of the physiology have demonstrated that ‘ZC9-3’ is a strong drought-resistant rootstock, whereas ‘Jizhen-2’ is a weak drought-resistant rootstock. However, the metabolites in these two apple rootstock varieties that respond to drought stress have not yet been characterized, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their responses to drought stress remain unclear.ResultsIn this study, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying differences in the drought resistance of ‘Jizhen-2’ (drought-sensitive) and ‘ZC9-3’ (drought-resistant) apple rootstocks were explored. Under drought stress, the relative water content of the leaves was maintained at higher levels in ‘ZC9-3’ than in ‘Jizhen-2’, and the photosynthetic, antioxidant, and osmoregulatory capacities of ‘ZC9-3’ were stronger than those of ‘Jizhen-2’. Metabolome analysis revealed a total of 95 and 156 differentially accumulated metabolites in ‘Jizhen-2’ and ‘ZC9-3’ under drought stress, respectively. The up-regulated metabolites in the two cultivars were mainly amino acids and derivatives. Transcriptome analysis revealed that there were more differentially expressed genes and transcription factors in ‘ZC9-3’ than in ‘Jizhen-2’ throughout the drought treatment. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis revealed that amino acid biosynthesis pathways play key roles in mediating drought resistance in apple rootstocks. A total of 13 metabolites, including L-α-aminoadipate, L-homoserine, L-threonine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-leucine, (2S)-2-isopropylmalate, anthranilate, L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, L-glutamate, and L-proline, play an important role in the difference in drought resistance between ‘ZC9-3’ and ‘Jizhen-2’. In addition, 13 genes encoding O-acetylserine-(thiol)-lyase, S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, ketol-acid isomeroreductase, dihydroxyacid dehydratase, isopropylmalate isomerase, branched-chain aminotransferase, pyruvate kinase, 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate 5-dehydrogenase, N-acetylglutamate-5-P-reductase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase positively regulate the response of ‘ZC9-3’ to drought stress.ConclusionsThis study enhances our understanding of the response of apple rootstocks to drought stress at the physiological, metabolic, and transcriptional levels and provides key insights that will aid the cultivation of drought-resistant apple rootstock cultivars. Especially, it identifies key metabolites and genes underlying the drought resistance of apple rootstocks.

Farmers’ Perceptions of the impact of climate change on apple production in lower Mustang, Nepal

Undoubtedly, climate change is becoming a worldwide concern due to its great sensitivity and detrimental effects on livelihood. The government, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders are striving to come up with novel and innovative approaches to combat the effects of climate change. Nevertheless, understanding and perceptions of the issue among local farmers are more crucial before making mitigation or adaptation plans. It’s them who are actually more exposed to these environmental works and who are on the frontlines of climate change. So, the study was conducted in 2022 at Lower Mustang to understand how farmers perceive climate change, how it has impacted apple production, and to find discrepancies between their perceptions and the actual change in climatic variability recorded by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). Temperature and precipitation were two climatic variables that were taken into account to investigate the significant effects they have on the rate of apple production. Altogether, 60 households from Lower Mustang were selected randomly for the study. Pre-tested interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, as well as secondary data from DHM, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), etc. were used to collect the required information. The majority of farmers observed an increase in temperature (83.30%) and an unpredictable increase in rainfall (98%), which are consistent with the actual change in temperature and precipitation recorded between 1991 and 2021. Findings show that the average annual temperature and mean annual precipitation are increasing at a rate of 0.012°C per year and 0.4146 mm per year, respectively. This has resulted in the outbreak of significant amounts of diseases and insect pest infestations that have a direct impact on the quality and quantity of apples. The majority of farmers acknowledged that rainfall was the most significant climatic hazards that negatively impacted apple production, followed with hailstones having an impact on apples during flowering and fruiting. Farmers in the study area are limited to intercropping practices, mostly as an adaptation strategy to combat the impacts of climate change. The study concluded that farmers perceived climate change; they are aware of the term ‘Climate Change’ but haven’t taken any significant adaptation measures towards it. So, there is an immediate need for effective adaptation mechanisms, taking into account farmers' perspectives, to make Lower Mustang self-sufficient in apple production.

Case study Apple: Exploring the effects of brand power through nudge theory

The power of brands transcends mere economic transactions, extending into the cultural fabric of society. In this context, Apple emerges as an exemplar, wielding its brand as a potent economic moat. Beyond the realm of innovative design and technology, Apple strategically taps into behavioural economics to forge deep emotional connections with consumers. The anticipation surrounding Apple product launches and the unwavering loyalty of its patrons underscore the brand’s ability to shape social identities and foster a sense of belonging among consumers, forming a dedicated tribe. Apple’s success lies not solely in the functionality of its products but in its adept understanding of consumer psychology. The brand leverages crucial product cues, hedonic values and a carefully cultivated brand image to guide consumer choices in a fast-paced market environment. The intentional creation of a cult-like following involves more than product features; it necessitates an intricate interplay between brand strategy, consumer emotions and technological innovation. The text highlights Apple’s adaptability, referencing its substantial financial resources and potential shift to a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. This signals the company’s strategic foresight and preparedness for evolving market trends. Apple’s brand nudges consumers to focus on the emotional connection rather than a rational analysis of product needs, creating a distinctive position in the market. In essence, Apple’s success story becomes a compelling case study illustrating the symbiotic relationship between brand strategy, consumer psychology and technological innovation.

Apple Leaf Disease Prediction Using Deep Learning Models

In India, nearly two lakh people rely on apple production for a living, with apples accounting for approximately 16% of GDP in their respective states. Although apple production is second only to that of other fruits in terms of volume, it generates more revenue. In addition, India ranks fifth in total apple production worldwide. As a result, the apple is a fruit that has a significant impact on our economic situation. Apple productivity is primarily influenced by leaf diseases such as scab, cedar rust, black rot, and others. To prevent apple leaf diseases from spreading throughout the tree, it is critical to detect them in their early stages of infection. We proposed a convolutional neural network methodology to accurately and efficiently detect these leaf diseases. The image pre-processing and augmentation methods help us distinguish the region of interest from the background. We then trained and validated our dataset of apple leaf images by applying deep learning algorithms. The Dense Net algorithm, which has a 98.42% accuracy rate, is used to label the leaf diseases in our model.

The Economic Potential of Agrivoltaic Systems in Apple Cultivation—A Hungarian Case Study

Agrivoltaic systems (AVS) allow the simultaneous use of land—as a limited resource—for crop production and electricity generation. This paper introduces the development prospects of AVS in Hungary with insights into international trends. The most important part is a complex economic analysis and a unit cost analysis of a 38 MWp capacity AVS, considering the most typical basic data in electricity and apple production. The applied risk analysis is based on a Monte Carlo simulation, the distribution function, and probabilities. To introduce the economic facet of the competitiveness of AVS, a comparative analysis was carried out between AVS, ground-mounted photovoltaic (GM-PV) systems, and conventional apple production systems (ConAPS). In the most probable scenario, the AVS was financially attractive (NPV = 70 million EUR under 30 years). Our correlation analysis shows that feed-in tariff (FIT) price and the role of financing are considered the dominant economic factors. A favorable FIT price enhances the profitability of AVS; however, it makes GM-PV systems more profitable compared to AVS, so it negatively affects the competitiveness of AVS systems. AVS operations result in a more balanced unit cost of apples and of electricity compared to the independent operation of GM-PV systems and of ConAPS; in addition, it allows for land saving and more intensive land use.

Energy Consumption and Environmental Impacts in Western Balkan Apple Production: A Case Study of the Korça Province, Albania

Energy Consumption and Environmental Impacts in Western Balkan Apple Production: A Case Study of the Korça Province, Albania

An hedonic evaluation of the impacts of vertical coordination on business performance amongst apple producers in Morocco

We present an econometric analysis of the marketing of apples in Morocco that investigates the relationship between vertical coordination arrangements and the prices of apples for farmers. In this study, the hedonic method is used to evaluate the vertical coordination of apple fruit chains by analyzing the marginal implicit price of different product characteristics. We examine the variables influencing apple prices for farmers, comprising intrinsic factors related to the farm's characteristics and quality attributes such as fruit variety and fruit diameter. Additionally, we consider extrinsic variables associated with marketing factors, including vertical coordination systems, payment terms, seasonality of sale, cold storage, and geographical origin. Based on a nationally representative survey of 190 apple growers in the southeast of Morocco, an empirical analysis is conducted. Results highlight the pivotal role of apple growers' experience in elevating farm-level prices, indicating a deeper understanding of market dynamics. Significant price variations are tied to quality attributes, notably a 19.2% premium for larger apples (75–85 mm diameter), indicating market preference. The economic analysis underscores the influence of apple varieties, with Golden commanding a 16.4% higher price, indicating heightened consumer demand. Additionally, the study found that marketing factors, vertical coordination models, payment terms, seasonality of sale, cold storage, and geographical origin also have a positive impact on apple prices. Furthermore, vertical coordination models positively impact apple and prices provide producers with guidance for effective supply chain coordination. These insights, extending beyond theory, serve as a roadmap for policymakers to support the agricultural sector. Equipped with knowledge of business performance, farmers can implement targeted measures to enhance the marketing value of their agricultural products, fostering resilience and profitability in the Moroccan apple sector.

Exploration of Pathogenic Microbes and Antagonistic Agents in Apple Production Centers in Malang Regency

The apple farming group is one of the built of Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Agricultural Faculty, Brawijaya University. In 2019, this departmen received a request from apple farmers in Madiredo Village, Pujon District to held an assistance programs of apple cultivation and environmentally pest control. This is related with the increasing of fruit rot and other diseases which is caused a decrease of apple production especially in Malang Regency. In general, apple farmers still rely on disease control using chemical fungicides which can have a negative impact on the environment and create resistance to pathogenic fungi. Therefore, this research was carried out to explore and study the potential of biological agents in apple production centers in Malang Regency, specifically in Poncokusumo, Pujon, and Batu District on conventional fields and mixed fields. This research was held observationally through fields surveys and farmer interviews, took soil samples and disease samples then then isolating, identifying and testing for antagonism at laboratory. Based on interviews and observation of symptomology, two dominant diseases were found, namely fruit rot disease (Gloeosporium sp.) and marsonina leaf spot disease (Marssonina coronaria). The results of exploration of the rhizospheric apple plants obtained isolates on conventional fields in Kec. Pujon has the highest abundance of fungal colonies compared to other regions. Based on the results of the antagonism test for pathogenic fungi and biological agents, it was found that the isolate codes KH.C, KK.A, JK.B, JK.J, and BK.B had the highest percentage of inhibition or the most effective in controlling the pathogen Gloeosporium sp. So in the next, the species can be identified molecularly.

Apple Growing in Norway—Ecologic Factors, Current Fertilization Practices and Fruit Quality: A Case Study

This paper presents some features of apple production in Norway, the northernmost apple-growing country in the world. Acceptable growing conditions prevail along the fjords in western Norway and around the lakes in eastern Norway at 60° north. These specific mesic climate conditions are associated with very long summer days (18 h daylight mid-summer) and short winter days (6 h daylight), with frost rarely occurring in the spring along the fjord areas. The present apple-growing technique in Norway is similar to that of other developed apple-growing countries, taking into account that all local growing phases involve a considerable delay in progress (1.5–2 months). Therefore, high-density planting systems based on the use of dwarf rootstocks (mainly M.9) with imported early maturing international apple cultivars are used in most orchards. The most common soil type has high organic matter content (2–18%), which persists due to the cool climate and low mineralization, and a clay content of <15%, which results from the formation of the soil from bedrock. The increase in average temperatures caused by current climatic changes leads to a complex combination of different physiological effects on apples, which can have positive or negative effects on the phenology of the trees. The main advantage of Norwegian apple production is that the quality and aroma of the fruit meet the current demands of the local market.

Expansion of apple cultivation increases the abundance of codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in agricultural landscapes of China.

Agricultural land-use change is an important driver of pest population dynamics, and can alter source-sink dynamics and the concentration-dilution effects of the landscape. Understanding the effects of land use on pests at both landscape and regional levels is essential for the development of sustainable pest management strategies given the large changes occurring in cropping systems in China. At the landscape level, we investigated the impacts of landscape composition and edge density on pheromone trap catch of codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in apple orchards, in Aksu, Xinjiang, China. At the regional scale, we conducted a meta-analysis using data from studies performed across the Aksu area in recent decades, to assess the relationship between trends in codling moth abundance and the area of apple cultivation. Both extensive planting of apple and large areas of annual crops in the landscape increased the abundance of codling moth, whereas the presence of secondary host plants (peach, pear, walnut, plum, and apricot) had a negative effect. Seminatural habitats and landscape edge density did not significantly affect codling moth abundance. The responses of different generations of codling moth to landscape factors were varied. At the regional level, codling moth occurrence was positively correlated with the expansion of apple production areas. Expansion of apple cultivation increases the abundance of codling moth in agricultural landscapes. We recommend decreasing the area devoted to monocultures of apple when designing agricultural landscapes and increasing plantings of secondary host crops to dilute and reduce the abundance of codling moth. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Apple Production in Jumla District, Nepal: Status, Economics, Marketing and Challenges

Apple production is a vital sector of agriculture in Nepal, significantly impacting local livelihoods and the regional economy. This study, conducted in Jumla District, Nepal, from January to July 2022, aims to comprehensively assess apple production, including its existing conditions, economic implications, marketing and challenges. The research hypothesizes that while apple production in Jumla District contributes significantly to the local economy, it faces challenges related to pest and disease management, marketing, and adoption of modern practices. Using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), descriptive statistics were computed based on data collected from a sample of 80 respondents selected through simple random sampling. The result revealed that agriculture constituted the primary source of income for 73.75% of the population, with an average landholding size of 0.3428 ha and an apple-growing land area of 0.3164 ha. Income from apple production, along with vegetables and fruits, was a major income source. The average annual sales of apple production were 7.291 t/ha. Labor costs accounted for 45.67% of the total cost of apple production, with an average total production cost of NPR 238,097.2 and average gross returns of NPR 485,500. Apple productivity was 9.71 t/ha, demonstrating its economic viability with net returns of NPR 247,402.80 per ha and benefit cost ratio of 2.039. However, the study found that farm produce only sufficed for 6-9 months, with pest and disease incidence and marketing issues as major challenges. Interventions should address pest and disease management, marketing strategies, and modern practices adoption to enhance sustainable and profitable apple production in Jumla. Efforts to extend farm produce sufficiency should also be explored, highlighting apple production's potential and the need for targeted support to overcome challenges and foster sector development.

Research Progress on Cuttings of Malus Rootstock Resources in China

Apple (Malus Mill.) is one of the most important fruits in China, and it boasts the world’s largest cultivation area and yield. It needs to be grafted onto rootstocks to maintain a variety of characteristics. China has many apple rootstock resources that exhibit high resistance and strong adaptability; for these reasons, they are highly suited to China’s complex and diverse natural environment. In China, apple rootstock breeding began in the 1970s, and now, several rootstocks, such as the ‘GM256’ and ‘SH’ series, are widely used. However, domestic rootstock resources and varieties are difficult to root. This affects the selection, utilization, and promotion of apple rootstocks. Cutting is an important method of rooting for apple rootstocks. This study discusses the main factors that affect rooting in rootstock cutting propagation; it also summarizes the rooting ability of different apple rootstocks and presents analyses of the demand for rootstocks in the major areas of apple production in China. We present the apple rootstock resources that are suitable for the soil and climate conditions of this production. We also call for research on the cutting roots of these specific apple rootstock resources to be expanded and strengthened. It is hoped that cutting rootstocks suitable for major areas of apple production may be more easily screened and bred successfully in China in the near future.

Analyze and evaluate Apple’s investment potential in the current financial market

This research is centered on Apple, Inc., a prominent American-based multinational corporation renowned for its preeminent role in the design, manufacture, and distribution of advanced electronic devices alongside a diverse array of internet services. Established in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (Alex, 2015), Apple has risen to become the world’s largest company, boasting a market capitalization of $3 trillion and a listing on NASDAQ while occupying a significant position within the S&P 500 index (Bob, 2023). Apple’s influence on computing and mobile technology is unparalleled, exemplified by the widespread adoption of its macOS and iOS operating systems in personal computers and mobile devices, contributing to the global popularity of Apple products. Apple is a frontrunner in the computer sector, known for its advanced systems and hardware. MacOS is one of the three major computer operating systems, alongside Microsoft and Linux.

Unlocking Nature's Secrets: Molecular Insights into Postharvest Pathogens Impacting Moroccan Apples and Innovations in the Assessment of Storage Conditions.

Apple production holds a prominent position in Morocco's Rosaceae family. However, annual production can fluctuate due to substantial losses caused by fungal diseases affecting stored apples. Our findings emphasize that the pre-storage treatment of apples, disinfection of storage facilities, box type, and fruit sorting are pivotal factors affecting apple losses during storage. Additionally, the adopted preservation technique was significantly correlated with the percentage of damage caused by fungal infections. Blue mold accounts for nearly three-quarters of the diseases detected, followed by gray rot with a relatively significant incidence. This study has revealed several fungal diseases affecting stored apples caused by pathogens such as Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Trichothecium roseum, Fusarium avenaceum, Cadophora malorum, and Neofabraea vagabunda. Notably, these last two fungal species have been reported for the first time in Morocco as pathogens of stored apples. These data affirm that the high losses of apples in Morocco, attributed primarily to P. expansum and B. cinerea, pose a significant threat in terms of reduced production and diminished fruit quality. Hence, adopting controlled atmosphere storage chambers and implementing good practices before apple storage is crucial.

Scale-up production of apple essences/hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: effects of the impeller type and the rotational speed on the characteristics of the inclusion complexes

Abstract Cyclodextrins (CDs), due to its unique ‘outer hydrophilic and inner hydrophobic’ structure, can be used as excellent carriers to protect active aroma compounds. The hydrodynamic conditions in the reactor substantially influence the characteristics of the cyclodextrin inclusions. Based on this, this study investigated the effects of the impeller type and the rotational speed on the characteristics of the inclusion complexes, meanwhile the corresponding scale-up process was also investigated. Results showed that the pitched blade turbine was the optimum impeller due to better axial flow performance. The average particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), loading capacity and the major aroma concentration of the inclusion complexes prepared at 5 and 120 L reactors did not have significant difference compared to the inclusion complexes prepared at 0.5 L reactor under conditions of geometry similarity and constant power per unit volume, which verified the feasibility of the scale-up rule of the encapsulation process.

THE INFLUENCE OF WORD OF MOUTH AND BRAND IMAGE AGAINST PRODUCT PURCHASING DECISIONS APPLES

This study aims to determine the effect of word of mouth and brand image on purchasing decisions for Apple products. This research was conducted on users of Apple brand products. The population in this study are people who use Apple brand products. The technique used in this writing test uses a purposive sampling technique, namely a sampling technique with certain considerations. Data collection was carried out by providing a list of questions to respondents and tested using the SPSS data analysis method. Based on statistical tests, the results showed that word of mouth had a direct positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions, while brand image had a direct positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. There is a significant influence between Word Of Mouth on purchasing decisions. And there is a significant influence between Brand Image on purchasing decisions.

Near-gapless and haplotype-resolved apple genomes provide insights into the genetic basis of rootstock-induced dwarfing.

Dwarfing rootstocks have transformed the production of cultivated apples; however, the genetic basis of rootstock-induced dwarfing remains largely unclear. We have assembled chromosome-level, near-gapless and haplotype-resolved genomes for the popular dwarfing rootstock 'M9', the semi-vigorous rootstock 'MM106' and 'Fuji', one of the most commonly grown apple cultivars. The apple orthologue of auxin response factor 3 (MdARF3) is in the Dw1 region of 'M9', the major locus for rootstock-induced dwarfing. Comparing 'M9' and 'MM106' genomes revealed a 9,723-bp allele-specific long terminal repeat retrotransposon/gypsy insertion, DwTE, located upstream of MdARF3. DwTE is cosegregated with the dwarfing trait in two segregating populations, suggesting its prospective utility in future dwarfing rootstock breeding. In addition, our pipeline discovered mobile mRNAs that may contribute to the development of dwarfed scion architecture. Our research provides valuable genomic resources and applicable methodology, which have the potential to accelerate breeding dwarfing rootstocks for apple and other perennial woody fruit trees.

Improved Canker Processing and Viability Droplet Digital PCR Allow Detection of Erwinia amylovora Viable Nonculturable Cells in Apple Bark.

The bacterium Erwinia amylovora causes fire blight and continues to threaten global commercial apple and pear production. Conventional microbiology techniques cannot accurately determine the presence of live pathogen cells in fire blight cankers. Several factors may prevent E. amylovora from growing on solid culture media, including competing microbiota and the release of bacterial-growth-inhibitory compounds by plant material during sample processing. We previously developed a canker processing methodology and a chip-based viability digital PCR (v-dPCR) assay using propidium monoazide (PMA) to bypass these obstacles. However, sample analysis was still time-consuming and physically demanding. In this work, we improved the previous protocol using an automatic tissue homogenizer and transferred the chip-based v-dPCR to the BioRad QX200 droplet dPCR (ddPCR) platform. The improved sample processing method allowed the simultaneous, fast, and effortless processing of up to six samples. Moreover, the transferred v-ddPCR protocol was compatible with the same PMA treatment and showed a similar dynamic range, from 7.2 × 102 to 7.6 × 107 cells mL-1, as the previous v-dPCR. Finally, the improved protocol allowed, for the first time, the detection of E. amylovora viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells in cankers and bark tissues surrounding cankers. Our v-ddPCR assay will enable new ways to evaluate resistant pome fruit tree germplasm, further dissect the E. amylovora life cycle, and elucidate E. amylovora physiology, epidemiology, and new options for canker management.

Fungicide ingestion reduces net energy gain and microbiome diversity of the solitary mason bee

Fungicides are frequently used during tree fruit bloom and can threaten insect pollinators. However, little is known about how non-honey bee pollinators such as the solitary bee, Osmia cornifrons, respond to contact and systemic fungicides commonly used in apple production during bloom. This knowledge gap limits regulatory decisions that determine safe concentrations and timing for fungicide spraying. We evaluated the effects of two contact fungicides (captan and mancozeb) and four translaminar/plant systemic fungicides (cyprodinil, myclobutanil, penthiopyrad, and trifloxystrobin) on larval weight gain, survival, sex ratio, and bacterial diversity. This assessment was carried out using chronic oral ingestion bioassays where pollen provisions were treated with three doses based on the currently recommended field use dose (1X), half dose (0.5X), and low dose (0.1X). Mancozeb and penthiopyrad significantly reduced larval weight and survival at all doses. We then sequenced the 16S gene to characterize the larvae bacteriome of mancozeb, the fungicide that caused the highest mortality. We found that larvae fed on mancozeb-treated pollen carried significantly lower bacterial diversity and abundance. Our laboratory results suggest that some of these fungicides can be particularly harmful to the health of O. cornifrons when sprayed during bloom. This information is relevant for future management decisions about the sustainable use of fruit tree crop protection products and informing regulatory processes that aim to protect pollinators.

Analysis of import substitution and development of the domestic fruit and berry market in Russia

In the context of international sanctions, the issue of providing the population with domestically produced fruits and berries remains relevant for Russia. Currently, our own production of fruits and berries provides approximately 22 kg/year per person, with an annual requirement of 100 kg. The article discusses the features of providing the Russian market with fruits and berries in the context of the ongoing policy of import substitution. Particular attention is paid to domestic production of apples; the structure of production and consumption of apples by region is given. The import of apples into Russia has been analyzed, and trends in its decline have been noted.