Advanced Automation for Tree Fruit Orchards and Vineyards

Dear Colleagues,

As the global population grows and consumer demand increases, enhancing production efficiency and product quality in orchards and vineyards has become a focal point within the agricultural tech community. For many countries and regions, orchards and vineyards are not merely segments of agricultural production; they also symbolize essential cultural heritage, economic revenue, and tourism assets.

Over the past few decades, with technological advancements, agriculture has transitioned from traditional manual labor to modernization, mechanization, and automation. Especially within the unique agricultural spheres of orchards and vineyards, where labor costs are high, physical demands are substantial, and timely needs are critical, the application of automation technologies is especially pertinent. From basic drip irrigation systems and automatic fertilization to advanced drone monitoring, fruit identification, and automated harvest robots, the implementation of these technologies has shown significant outcomes in some developed areas. However, despite their vast potential, their global adoption still faces numerous technological and cultural challenges.

This Special Issue aims to delve deeply into the current status of and developmental trends in automation technologies in orchards and vineyards. It showcases how these can assist fruit growers and winemakers in managing their farms more efficiently, accurately, and economically. Key areas of exploration include the following:

Sensing technologies: Highlighting the latest sensing technologies that aid growers in the real-time monitoring of tree health, fruit status, and soil conditions.

• Robots and automated harvesting: Introducing cutting-edge automation and robotic technologies that address harvesting and management challenges within the orchard and vineyard landscapes.
• Data-driven orchard management: Exploring the utilization of big data and machine learning for intelligent decision support in orchards and vineyards.
• Disease and pest management: Discussing how automation technologies play a role in preventing and controlling diseases as well as pests in orchards and vineyards.
• Sustainability and sustainable agriculture: Delving into how advanced automation technologies ensure environmentally friendly and economically sustainable practices in orchards and vineyards.

We cordially invite scholars, researchers, fruit growers, winemakers, and all those interested in agricultural automation technologies to submit their research, case studies, reviews, and perspectives, anticipating the collective sharing and exploration of the latest advancements in automation for orchards and vineyards within this Special Issue.

Dr. Tao Li
Prof. Dr. Hui Zhao
Dr. Zhengqiang Fan
Dr. Qingchun Feng
Guest Editors

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