When does a measurable difference become real value in practice?
Precision sensor technology only becomes relevant when measured differences between trees lead to better orchard management decisions. This public summary describes how the practical value of the Treescout camera system was assessed in Elstar apple orchards. The results show how precision thinning can support more targeted work, more uniform fruit load and better storage quality, while the effectiveness of thinning agents and orchard conditions remain decisive for the final value in practice.
Innovation package, use case and type of test
Broad knowledge question
Using differences between trees to support more targeted cultivation decisions
Within NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood, the study examined how precision sensor technologies such as the Treescout camera system can contribute to more efficient and sustainable fruit cultivation in the Netherlands. The central question is whether this type of technology can help growers improve yield management, labour efficiency and the targeted use of crop protection inputs.
Approach
Comparing precision thinning with standard practice
Experiments were set up at three locations in Elstar apple orchards. Precision thinning based on Treescout was compared with standard thinning practice, in which all trees receive the same treatment.
Flowering classes were created based on blossom counts. Within the precision thinning approach, these classes received different treatments. To measure the effect on fruit load, fruit counts were carried out after June drop and before harvest. Fruit size measurements were also taken before harvest. In addition, exploratory research looked at how large variation in fruit load affects the harvest quality of Elstar apples, including red colouration, firmness and %Brix.
Goal
Building evidence for the value of precision technology in practice
The goal is to assess, under orchard conditions, when precision technology can add value in fruit cultivation. This makes clear where sensor data can support more targeted cultivation decisions and where outcomes still depend on application, products and growing conditions.
Result and reflection
Precision thinning can help, but the effect is not automatic
In short, Treescout makes differences between trees visible, which can make precision thinning more targeted. The agronomic value lies mainly in more uniform fruit load and the potential improvement of storage quality. The value in practice depends on thinning agents and orchard conditions.
The results show that precision technology can contribute to more targeted cultivation decisions and more uniform fruit load. At the same time, success also depends on the effectiveness of thinning agents and on real-world conditions in the orchard.
Geslaagd:
At FRC Randwijk, a measurable reduction in biennial bearing was observed, with a less pronounced alternation between high and low production.
Fruit load affects the harvest quality of Elstar apples, including fruit size, red colouration, firmness and %Brix.
A more uniform fruit load offers opportunities for better storage quality and may help reduce losses during storage.
Lessons learned
Precision thinning only adds value when the thinning agents used are sufficiently effective.
In the trials, the effects of additional thinning agents were often disappointing, which limited the practical gain.
Orchard conditions are decisive for the added value of precision technology.