Fruit Damage Research Articles

Economic optimization of fresh logistics pick-up routing problems with time windows based on gray prediction

The rapid development of modern cold chain logistics technology has greatly expanded the sales market of agricultural products in rural areas. However, due to the uncertainty of agricultural product harvesting, relying on the experience values provided by farmers for vehicle scheduling can easily lead to low utilization of vehicle capacity during the pickup process and generate more transportation cost. Therefore, this article adopts a non-linear improved grey prediction method based on data transformation to estimate the pickup demand of fresh agricultural products, and then establishes a mathematical model that considers the fixed vehicle usage cost, the damage cost caused by non-linear fresh fruit and vegetable transportation damage and decay rate, the cooling cost generated by refrigerated transportation, and the time window penalty cost. In order to solve the model, a hybrid simulated annealing algorithm integrating genetic operators was designed to solve this problem. This hybrid algorithm combines local search strategies such as the selection operator without repeated strings and the crossover operator that preserves the best substring to improve the algorithm’s solving performance. Numerical experiments were conducted through a set of benchmark examples, and the results showed that the proposed algorithm can adapt to problem instances of different scales. In 50 customer examples, the difference between the algorithm and the standard value in this paper is 2.30%, which is 7.29% higher than C&S. Finally, the effectiveness of the grey prediction freight path optimization model was verified through a practical case simulation analysis, achieving a logistics cost savings of 9.73%.

General evaluation of the distribution and commercialization cycle of bananas at the main fairs in Boa Vista - RR

In Roraima, banana cultivation is a significant socio-economic activity aimed at catering to both the domestic and regional markets. The banana-producing region (Musa spp) is concentrated in the southern part of the state, encompassing the municipalities of Caroebe, São João da Baliza, and Rorainópolis. Thus, the objective was to assess fruit damage and investigate severity and causes. The cultivars selected for the study were ‘Pacovan’, ‘Prata’, and ‘Missouri’. Five markets were visited for the study, with eleven points of sale sampled at each market. At each sampling point, newly arrived batche (bunches) was collected at three distinct times. The variable studied was the incidence of fruit damage at different ripening stages (type 2 and type 7). Data collected visually were subjected to Likert analysis and descriptive statistics. The results showed that mature bananas exposed directly on tarpaulin exhibited severe mechanical damage, such as abrasions and cuts due to direct contact with the rough surface of the tarpaulin and stacking during transport. Mature fruits transported in cardboard boxes had a lower incidence of damage and also served as a display for marketing. Mature green fruits were also affected during transport, with greater impact when in plastic bags or plastic boxes due to irregular and pointed surfaces. In the case of green-mature fruit, the damage incurred was less severe compared to mature fruit.

Economic-biological estimation of pear varieties in the conditions of the steppe zone of the Southern Urals

The paper presents the results of long-term research into winter hardiness, yield, and resistance to scab of introduced pear varieties. The research was carried out in 2021-2023 on collection plots (established in 2002, 2003) of the Orenburg branch of the Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery in accordance with generally accepted methods. Objects of research included pear varieties ‘Krasnobokaya’ (K), ‘Krasulya’, ‘Vekovaya’, ‘Myth’, ‘Kuibyshevskaya Zolotistaya’, ‘Nezhnost’, ‘Isetskaya Sochnaya’, ‘Lel’, ‘Bolshaya’. The analysis of the obtained data showed that the damaging factors for the pear in the Orenburg region included low negative temperatures and thaws in winter, followed by frosts (2021 and 2023). The maximum degree of freezing (3.0 points) was observed in ‘Kuibyshevskaya Zolotistaya’ and ‘Nezhnost’ varieties in the winter of 2023, affecting their productivity (4.6 t/ha and 5.0 t/ha, respectively). Most of the studied varieties were found to be winter-hardy (slight freezing up to 2.0 points): ‘Krasnobokaya’ (K), ‘Krasulya’, ‘Vekovaya’, ‘Myth’, ‘Isetskaya Sochnaya’, ‘Lel’, ‘Bolshaya’. It was revealed that the maximum average yield for three years of research was obtained in varieties ‘Krasnobokaya’ (K) (8.3 t/ha), ‘Krasulya’ (9.1 t/ha), ‘Vekovaya’ (8.1 t/ha), ‘Myth’ (8.2 t/ha),’ Isetskaya Sochnaya’ (9.7 t/ha), ‘Lel’ (7.9 t/ha), ‘Bolshaya’ (8.5 t/ha). The highest average fruit weight was obtained in varieties ‘Vekovaya’ (120.6 g) and ‘Bolshaya’ (101.2 g). Meanwhile, ‘Bolshaya’ and ‘Lel’ varieties revealed no significant deviations in fruit sizes from the pomological description, unlike the other varieties. It was found that the degree of leaf scab damage varied from 0 (‘Krasulya’, ‘Vekovaya’, ‘Myth’, ‘Bolshaya’) to 2.0 points (‘Kuibyshevskaya Zolotistaya’, ‘Nezhnost’), fruit damage occurred in varieties ‘Nezhnost’ (1.0 point) and ‘Kuibyshevskaya Zolotistaya’ (1.5-2.0 points). Long-term research afforded ground for comprehensive economic and biological evaluation of the introduced pear varieties and identifying valuable samples to be involved in the selection process in the steppe zone of the Southern Urals: ‘Krasnobokaya’ (K), ‘Krasulya’, ‘Vekovaya’, ‘Myth’, ‘Isetskaya Sochnaya’, ‘Lel’, ‘Bolshaya’.

Assessment of Balkan Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Accessions for Agronomic, Fruit Quality, and Pest Resistance Traits

To maintain the continuous genetic variation and increase the genetic gain, appreciable germplasm diversity and its comprehensive characterization is necessary to further utilize gene sources for pre-breeding. The diversity of pepper forms, cultivation traditions and diverse fruit usages are typical for Balkan countries. Considering this rich diversity, 21 pepper accessions from the Balkan region were evaluated for morphological, biochemical, and insect resistance traits during 2018 and 2019 at Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Among the studied accessions, the highest productivity was observed in pumpkin shape K1115 and kapia type K1081 accessions, with 0.74 kg and 0.70 kg per plant, respectively. Concerning fruit quality, the highest total polyphenols and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were observed in pumpkin shape K712 (203.44 mg GAE/100 g FW) and K1103A (11.49 µmol Fe2+/g FW) accessions, respectively. Concerning insect resistance, 38% of studied accessions showed no infestation of green peach aphid. The kapia type K697 accession was seen as the most reliable resistance source, as it was not infested by aphids and had the least thrips (20% on plants) and cotton bollworm (6.67% on plants and 8.34% on fruit) damage. Based on examined traits, accessions were identified for enhanced fruit quality and promising insect resistance and have been included in further pre-breeding efforts.

桑葚机械振动收获参数优化与试验研究

The mechanized harvesting of mulberry is important for its production. In the process of harvesting, it is considered not only the mechanical damage of mulberry fruit but also its harvesting efficiency. It is very important to improve the vibration harvesting efficiency of mulberry. In this study, modal analysis of mulberry trees and harmonic response analysis of branches were carried out to determine the harvesting frequency of the branch's vibration and other parameters. The effects of excitation frequency and vibration position on the triaxial acceleration of the mulberry branch at different positions were analyzed by vibration test. Then the triaxial acceleration of branches at different positions was analyzed. The conditions of the mulberry fruit shedding were obtained through theoretical analysis. Through the 20-order modal analysis of mulberry, it is concluded that a better vibration effect can be achieved when the vibration frequency is controlled at 4-16 Hz. According to the harmonic response analysis, the best excitation frequencies are 5-6 Hz, 10-13 Hz, and 14-16 Hz. The harmonic response analysis of fruit branches was carried out, and the stress of fruit stalks at 5 Hz, 10 Hz, and 15 Hz were analyzed. The result shows that the maximum stress is 2.9252×107 Pa, the excitation position is the first-order branch, and the excitation frequency is 15 Hz. The frequencies obtained from modal analysis and harmonious response analysis were used to conduct experiments. When the excitation frequency was 15 Hz, the triaxial accelerations aX, aY, and aZ were 2.12 g, 4.16 g, and 3.99 g, respectively, which were more conducive to the shedding of mulberry fruits.

Inhibitory effect and action mechanism of citral against black rot in pitaya fruit

Blackspot, caused by Alternaria alternata, is a significant postharvest disease in pitaya. Currently, there are limited effective fungicides to manage this disease. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of citral against the blackspot pathogen and to determine the protective effect of citral on pitaya. Our results demonstrated that citral effectively curtailed the mycelial growth and spore germination of Alternaria alternata, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.6 μL/mL. Observations under a light microscope revealed that citral-treated hyphae displayed characteristics such as sparseness, roughness, twisting, shriveling, and irregular internode separation, along with prominent vacuolation. Propidium iodide and 2,7-Dichlorodi-hydrofluorescein diacetate staining results revealed that the mycelia from the MIC citral-treated group emitted robust fluorescence, with the average fluorescence intensities being 4.03 and 8.09 times higher than the control group, respectively. Furthermore, citral treatment resulted in a decline in the lipid content and dry weight of the hyphae, increased nucleic acid and protein leakage, enhanced exosporial conductivity, and augmented superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. Additionally, it fostered the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Fruit damage inoculation assays indicated that an appropriate concentration of citral (1/2 MIC, MIC) could notably diminish the fruit spot diameter expansion. Thus, citral shows promise as a potential alternative fungicide for managing postharvest black rot in pitaya.

Implementation of netting system for production of ‘Calabacita’ dried figs: Effects on pest incidence, fruit quality and mycotoxin occurrence

In recent decades, the increasing demand for dried figs has led to greater sector professionalisation. However, the drying and harvesting process continues to be carried out traditionally. During this time, the fruit can be damaged by various biotic agents such as birds, insects and fungi. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a netting system adapted to the fig tree's canopy, compared to those from traditionally managed ones regarding reduced damage by biotic agents and physicochemical quality of dried figs. Fruit damage, physicochemical and microbiological parameters, and mycotoxin occurrence in figs collected from nets were compared to those from traditionally managed ones. The netting system significantly reduced bird damage from 11.93 to 1.02 % and Lepidopteran damage from 8.11 to 3.74 %, while coleopteran damage remained constant. Additionally, this system led to dried figs with greater fruit size, softer firmness and a lighter reddish-brown colour. In contrast, it did not influence the microbial count of moulds. However, its use significantly reduced the levels and occurrence of most of the detected mycotoxins: aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, ochratoxins A and B, kojic acid, and alternariol. These findings demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing pest incidences and providing dried figs with better physicochemical and hygienic-sanitary quality. This scientific evidence and the improvements that the netting system brings to the harvesting process suggest that its use could lead to more profitable production and have a positive impact on the marketability of dried figs.

Exploring host plant resistance in chilli (Capsicum spp) against Southeast Asian thrips (Thripsparvispinus Karny)

Southeast Asian thrips (Thrips parvispinus Karny), poses a significant threat to chilli crop production causing severe economic losses. They feed heavily on leaves, flowers and young fruits causing severe damage to the crop. Exploring host plant resistance is the best ecofriendly management strategy to combat this pest. Large-scale field screening of 481 germplasm accessions, followed by further screening of selected accessions under polyhouse conditions led to identification of fourteen accessions that showed resistance against Southeast Asian thrips. Among the screened accessions, IIHR-B-HP-79 showed the highest level of Southeast Asian thrips resistance with significantly low leaf and fruit damage scores of 0.28 and 0.13, respectively. Further, screening of selected fourteen field resistant accessions was performed through whole plant bio-assay where in four accessions i.e., IIHR-B-HP-79 (C. frutescens), IIHR 4550, IIHR 4501 & IIHR 4410 (C. chinense) showed good level of resistance. Multi-choice leaf disc assay, demonstrated that IIHR-B-HP-79 exhibited a high level of resistance with the lowest percent of scraping damage during both the vegetative (10.98) and flowering stages (15.31). The identified resistant accession IIHR-B-HP-79 (C. frutescens), has the potential to be a valuable genetic resource as donor in breeding for Southeast Asian thrips resistance.

Study of the influence of robotic gripper parameters on apple fruit damage

The article discusses the design of a robotic device intended for effective apple fruit harvesting with minimum damage. The research was conducted in the Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM from 2020 to 2023. The developed device is equipped with specialized mechanisms and sensors designed to reduce the negative eff ects on apples during harvesting. The study aims to justify the parameters of the robotic device for apple fruit picking and to conduct laboratory experimental studies of the grip strength eff ect on fruit damage during robotic fruit harvesting. A classification of gripping devices was developed based on the analysis of their design parameters and types. A concentric three-fingered gripper tool with rotating and sliding elements added to the gripping device was selected as the prototype device. As a result of studying the size and weight parameters of apples of the ‘Jonathan’ and ‘Granny Smith’ cultivars, data were obtained that enable one to describe the characteristics of these fruits more fully. Th e grapho-analytical method was employed to select the optimal geometric parameters of the gripper claws. We designed a robotic gripper which has several components, including gripper claws and a movable base. A laboratory setup was developed to simulate the operation of the manipulator and conduct experiments. Th e setup makes it possible to create conditions close to the actual manipulator operation and study the processes of grasping and holding fruits. The three-factor experiment allowed us to analyze the impact of the grip strength of the gripper claws, as well as the distance from the fruit to the gripper on the damage to fruits. It has been determined that these parameters have a signifi cant eff ect on the process of grasping and holding fruits. Entirely optimal values of these parameters contribute to reliable holding of a fruit in the gripper claws with minimal damage. As a result of analyzing the size-mass parameters of fruits, we found the average size and weight of apples of the Jonathan and Granny Smith cultivars. Th e design parameters of the robotic device were justifi ed. A 3D robotic gripper model was developed. We also manufactured an experimental robotic gripper model which underwent laboratory tests. As a result, the parameters of the grip strength and the distance from the fruit to the gripper were identified.

Evaluation of Bruising Susceptibility and Response of Pears under Impact Loading through Finite Element Analysis

Mechanical damage and bruising of fruit is a critical problem in the food industry. Minimizing brusing and damage can be achieved by designing energy-absorbing structures and packaging systems in order to ensure the long-term quality of fresh produce. The aim of this study is to investigate the response and bruise susceptibility of pears under impact loading conditions through finite element analysis (FEA) methods. In this paper, three impact heights (0.25 m, 0.5 m, and 1.0 m), four impact material surfaces (poplar wood, rubber, cardboard, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic), two packaging sizes (standard 0.22″ and sandwich lattice 2.1″), and three impact design structures (rigid, corrugated, and honeycomb) are considered. Based on mesh sensitivity analysis, a mesh element of 1.5 mm was adopted for all simulations, assuring the accuracy of results and considering the trade-off between mesh size and computational time. The response surface analysis approach was utilized in order to develop predictive empirical models related to pear bruising. Results revealed that the rubber-based impact platform yielded minimal bruise susceptibility at all heights, while standard-sized corrugated cardboard performed best at a height of 0.25 m. Furthermore, single, double, and triple layers of packaging cardboard were tested. We observed that adding a second soft layer of corrugated cardboard reduced the stress on the pear by around 33%. However, adding a third layer only reduced stress by 5%. The 3D-printed honeycomb ABS has potential as protective packaging but would require further investigations and parameter optimization. Stacking multiple layers of cardboard on top of each other is a cost-effective solution that could improve damping and, therefore, ensure good quality and increase the shelf life of the fresh produce. This study will help decision-makers select the optimal energy-absorbing material for cushioning and packaging designs in order to improve the handling and post-harvesting logistics of fresh produce.

Multiscale Static Compressive Damage Characteristics of Kiwifruit Based on the Finite Element Method.

In the handling or processing process, fruits are easily crushed by external loads. This type of damage in fruit often leads to the internal pulp browning and rotting, with the severity largely dependent on the fruit tissue's geometric and mechanical properties. In kiwifruits, with their thin skin and dark-colored flesh, it is particularly challenging to observe and analyze the damage caused by extrusion through traditional experimental methods. The objective of this research is to construct a multi-scale finite element model encompassing the skin, flesh, and core by measuring the geometric and mechanical properties of kiwifruit, to assess and predict the damage characteristics under compression, and to verify the accuracy of the finite element model through experiments. The results indicated that kiwifruits demonstrated different compressive strengths in different directions during compression. The compressive strength in the axial direction was higher than that in the radial direction, and there was little difference between the long and short radial directions. The flesh tissue is the most vulnerable to mechanical damage under external compression, followed by the core. At strain levels below 5%, there was no noticeable damage in the axial or radial directions of the kiwifruit. However, when strain exceeded 5%, damage began to manifest in some of the flesh tissue. To maintain fruit quality during storage and transportation, the stacking height should not exceed 77 fruits in the axial direction, 48 in the long direction, and 53 in the short direction. The finite element analysis showed that the established model can effectively simulate and predict the internal damage behavior of kiwifruits under compression loads, which is helpful for a deeper understanding of the mechanical properties of fruits and provides a theoretical basis and technical guidance for minimizing mechanical damage during fruit handling.

Perennial flower margins reduce orchard fruit damage by rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Abstract Sown or natural flower strips are a commonly used management practice in agroecosystems and have been demonstrated to increase the abundance of predators of orchard pests. There is less evidence of the extent to which such strips can reduce pest damage in orchards. Here we examined the effect of managed, perennial flower margins on fruit damage by an economically significant crop pest, Dysaphis plantaginea, rosy apple aphid, in conventional apple orchards over 2 years, compared to orchards without flower margins. We found orchard flower margins reduced the percentage of apple trees with fruit damage by D. plantaginea, from 80% to 48%. In 2021, a period of severe infestation (65% of trees had fruit damage), there was reduced spread of D. plantaginea on infested apple trees and the number of trees with fruit damage was significantly reduced up to 50 m into orchards. During 2022, a period of lower infestation (25% of trees damaged), fruit damage was significantly reduced up to 10 m from the flower margin. A significant reduction in predation of aphids from bait cards in flower margin compared with control orchards suggests specialists, rather than generalist predators, may be driving the positive effects of the margin on pest pressure. There was no significant effect of flower margins on abundance of important aphid predators, including Syrphidae (hoverflies) and Coccinellidae (ladybirds). Synthesis and applications: To our knowledge, this study is the first to detect a reduction in fruit damage by pests at harvest in orchards with a flower margin. We highlight the potential for established perennial flower margins to deliver measurable, sustainable, D. plantaginea control benefits and provide insights into the optimal spatial arrangement of flower strips in orchards.

Efficacy of Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatile Methyl Salicylate in Evaluating the Seasonal Abundance of Herbivorous Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Sweet Pepper.

Herbivorous thrips that damage fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamentals are challenging to control using insecticides and need an integrated approach (IPM) for their management. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are semiochemical plants produced to attract natural enemies (NEs) of arthropod herbivores. Sex pheromones are animal-based semiochemicals that can attract males or females of conspecifics. The HIPV methyl salicylate (MS) is used in IPM to attract NEs. We conducted field experiments in 2018-2019 in Tennessee to study the efficacy of MS and the aggregation pheromone neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate (NMB), which attracts Frankliniella occidentalis (FO), a dominant pest of many crops, in attracting thrips using sweet peppers. We found a significantly higher number of thrips in traps baited with MS than in the traps containing NMB when compared with a no-lure control. All treatments caught only one thrips species, Frankliniella tritici (FT), a significant pest of young cotton. It can also lower the abundance of FO in other crops. Our findings show that although FO was not found in the study location in Tennessee, traps baited with MS are suitable for managing FT and reducing FO in susceptible crops by increasing FT and attracting NEs to crop productions that use IPM-based management practices.

Factors affecting fruit damage caused by Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in citrus lemon groves in Turkey

The Hawaiian flower thrips, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an economically important invasive species in citrus grown in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. The diverse impacts of temperature on arthropods are well documented. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the influence of day-degree on insect population dynamics and crop damage levels in Mersin Province, Turkey during 2018–2019. In 2018, the first damage caused by T. hawaiiensis was observed at 300 degree-days (DD), while in 2019, it occurred at 800 DD. The damage percentage was recorded as 28% in the lemon grove, where the population of second instar larvae briefly reached a high level (approximately 2 individuals per fruit). During 2019, the average temperature remained relatively low, and the initial population density of thrips was below the 33-day development threshold (10.4 °C) from January to April. This pattern was observed even during the mild spring season. Additionally, in both sampling locations, the high adult densities, mainly adult females, led to the shedding of a limited number of flowers that had formed in June.

Automatic fruit picking technology: a comprehensive review of research advances

In recent years, the fruit industry has become an important part of agricultural development, and fruit harvesting is a key stage in the production process. However, picking fruits during the harvest season is always a major challenge. In order to solve the challenges of time-consuming, costly, and inefficient fruit picking, researchers have conducted a lot of studies on automatic fruit picking equipment. Existing picking technologies still require further research and development to improve efficiency and reduce fruit damage. Aiming at the efficient and non-destructive picking of fruits, this paper reviews machine vision and mechanical fruit picking technology and the current research status, including the current application status, equipment structure, working principle, picking process, and experimental results. As a promising tool, machine vision technology has been widely researched and applied due to its low hardware cost and rich visual information. With the development of science and technology, automated fruit picking technology integrates information technology, integrates automatic perception, transmission, control, and operation, etc., saves manpower costs, and continuously promotes the development of modern agriculture in the direction of refinement of equipment technology, automation, and intelligence. Finally, the challenges faced by automated fruit picking are discussed, and future development is looked forward to with a view to contributing to its sustainable development.

Covering young avocado ‘Hass’ trees with high-density shading nets during the winter mitigates frost damage and improves tree performance

Key messageCovering young ‘Hass’ trees with Silver 60% shading nets during cold winters mitigates frost damage and improves tree performance, apparently through a mechanism other than increasing nighttime air temperature.Avocado is a commercially important subtropical evergreen fruit tree. Severe frost may damage foliage, floral buds, flowers and fruit, thereby reducing avocado crop yield and restricting its geographical distribution and expansion. Shading nets are frequently used to protect agricultural crops from climate-related damage. To determine their ability to mitigate frost damage, Silver 60% shading nets were deployed over young ‘Hass’ trees during two consecutive winters and uncovered trees served as controls. Freezing and chilling temperatures occurred in the experimental orchard during the winter of each year, from December to March, reaching − 2.49 ℃ in January 2022. In the control, 93% of the examined floral buds were severely damaged compared to 4% in the Silver 60% trees. Damage to young vegetative shoots was assessed at 4.35 out of 5 in the control compared to 0.5 out of 5 in the Silver 60% trees. In both years, minimum air temperatures under the Silver 60% shading nets were similar to those of the control. Leaf-level photosynthetic photon flux density was ~ 60% lower under the shading nets. In most measurements, CO2-assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and chlorophyll concentration in the leaves of the Silver 60% trees were higher than, or similar to the controls. Trunk diameter and flowering intensity of the Silver 60% trees were higher than for the control. These results indicate that covering young ‘Hass’ trees with Silver 60% shading nets during cold winters can mitigate frost damage and improve tree performance.

Evaluation of Insecticides against Pin Worm <i>Tuta absoluta</i> (Meyrick) on Tomato

Tomato pin worm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most destructive pests. This experiment was undertaken to evaluate the performance of selected insecticides (chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC @ 0.3 ml/l, spinosad 45SC @ 0.3 ml/ l and profenophos 40% + cypermethrin 04%EC @ 2ml/ l) during 2021 and 2022 under open field conditions. Results revealed that chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC performed well in reducing the larva (2.80 and 2.60 larva/ plant), live mines (1.10 and 1.20/ plant) and fruit damage (7.58 and 6.08%) followed by spinosad larva (3.40 and 2.80 larvae/plant), live mines (3.40 and 3.20/ plant) and fruit damage (8.13 and 10.12%) during 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Climate Change Facilitates the Potentially Suitable Habitats of the Invasive Crop Insect Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller)

Invasive alien insects directly or indirectly driven by climate change threaten crop production and increase economic costs worldwide. Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) is a highly reproductive invasive crop insect that can severely damage fruit commodities and cause significant economic losses globally. Estimating the global potentially suitable habitats (PSH) of E. ceratoniae is an important aspect of its invasive risk assessment and early warning. Here, we constructed an optimized MaxEnt model based on the global distribution records of E. ceratoniae, and nine environmental variables (EVs), to predict its global PSH under current and future climates. Our results showed that the RM value was 2.0 and the mean area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value was 0.972, indicating the high accuracy of the optimal MaxEnt model. The mean temperature of driest quarter (bio9, 50.2%), mean temperature of wettest quarter (bio8, 16.9%), temperature seasonality (bio4, 9.7%), and precipitation of coldest quarter (bio19, 9.1%) were the significant EVs affecting its distribution patterns. The global PSH of E. ceratoniae are mainly located in western Asia under current climate scenarios (687.57 × 104 km2), which showed an increasing trend under future climate scenarios. The PSH of E. ceratoniae achieved the maximum under the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 1–2.6 in the 2030s and under the SSP2-4.5 in the 2050s. The increased PSH of E. ceratoniae are mainly located in southwestern Asia, northwestern Europe, northwestern South America, northwestern North America, southern Oceania, and northwestern Africa. Our findings suggest that quarantine officials and governmental departments in the above high-risk invasion areas should strengthen monitoring and early warning to control E. ceratoniae; in particular, cultural measures should be taken in areas where its further expansion is expected in the future.

Studies on population dynamics of major pests of okra

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is known tobe infested by many insect pest among them the most important onesare sucking pests like aphids, leafhopper, whitefly and fruit borerslike Earias vitella and Helicoverpa armigera. Controlling these pestsis very much important to obtain good yield, hence knowledge aboutthese pest incidence needed for taking up management practices. Inthis context, okra was sown during last week of November (rabi2020-21) and observations were recorded at weekly interval. Peakincidence of aphid (23.44 aphids/3 leaves) and leafhopper (16.97leafhopper/3 leaves) noticed during last week of December, whitefly(12.70 whiteflies/3 leaves) during second week of March. Fruit borersduring third week of February and second week of March with percent fruit damage of 44.9 (Earias vitella) and 13.59 (Helicoverpaarmigera).Sucking pests incidence more up to 10th week old crop,there after the population declined. In case of fruit borers, theypersisted upto end of the season

Research on the evolutionary of spectral features of the initial damaged parts of 'Red Delicious' apples

It is crucial for early detection of mechanical damage to improve the quality of commodity fruit. For the problem of low identification accuracy of damage detection models due to the small degree of damage and unclear damage features in the initial damage of fruit and vegetables, this research analyzed the evolution process of spectral information in the initial damage of (0–3 h) of 'Red Delicious' apples. Three sensitive bands of 650–734 nm, 850–970 nm, and 1255–1314 nm, were extracted, and the average spectral reflectance and spectral curve shape features tanθ of the sensitive bands were analyzed. The conclusion is as follows: (1) In the 650–734 nm band, spectral reflectance decreasing and then stabilizing, reflecting enzymatic browning development. More severe damage led to lower reflectance. Over time, tanθ decreased, with more severe damage showing faster reduction, reflecting changes in chlorophyll content in the peel. (2) In the 850–970 nm band, reflectance showed a decreasing-then-increasing trend, reflecting moisture content changes in the damaged area. More severe damage resulted in lower reflectance. Over time, tanθ initially rose, then decreased and stabilized. More severe damage led to greater tanθ. (3) In the 1255–1314 nm band, reflectance initially increased, then decreased and stabilized, reflecting temperature changes in the damaged area. More severe damage led to higher reflectance. Over time, tanθ first increased, then decreased, with more severe damage showing smaller tanθ. The study on the evolutionary pattern of the spectral features after the impact of 'Red Delicious' apples provides theoretical basis for more reliable detection of the initial minor damage of apples in the future.