Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Apple producers are faced with a myriad of climate change related challenges, such as extreme weather conditions and increasing pressure from pests. With projected climate change outcomes under RCP 4.5 in the southern Swedish region of Scania, the severity and frequency of pest infestation will likely increase, while insect phenology grows increasingly unpredictable. Scania might see an increase in invasive apple pests as climate change shifts the local climate closer to the optimum temperature for new pest species. Using Challenge Based Learning as a methodological framework and SWOT analysis as an analytical tool, three recommendations for future innovation in Swedish apple crop protection were developed. Recommendation 1 is the continued testing, development and refinement of AI-based insect traps. Recommendation 2 is the development of a smartphone Pest Prognosis App, linked to an orchard’s individual weather station. Recommendation 3 is the creating of an online fruit producers’ exchange forum. Based on interviews with three stakeholders within Swedish apple production, the recommendations were revised. Apple growers see a need for new crop protection innovations and see the potential for technological advances in improving prognosis and diagnosis of pests. One key challenge remaining is the facilitation of knowledge exchange and cooperation between stakeholders in the context of changing environmental and climate conditions.