Special Session #2

The scope of the session captures current and cutting-edge methodological developments and applications in precision horticulture (vegetables and perennial crops). Research studies concerning sensor technologies for plant and produce monitoring are welcome. The studies should consider approaches to fine-tune crop management/production practices and postharvest processes. In fact, the diametrical variation of fruit during the production season, can provide information on the state of crop and, therefore, is useful for the modulation of management practices. The intention of the special session is to provide a deeper insight, inspired by grower’s need case studies, and describe how sensors/protocols/techniques can be applied as a support strategy for a more sustainable fruit and vegetables production.

We welcome contributions that cover the following topics:

• Plant sensors both in open and protected environments, network connectivity and cloud computing
• Optimising light, water, nutrients and pesticide use efficiency by means of plant data
• Pilot lots of precision horticulture
• Precision Orchard Management (POM) techniques and protocols
• Monitoring of fruit and vegetables in postharvest processes
• Optimal integration of data and models in the decision support systems
• Production and shelf-life forecasts and validation
• IoT considering phenotyping aimed at optimized processes along the supply chain of fruit and vegetables

LAV R. KHOT: He is an Associate Professor of Precision Agriculture and Director of Agricultural Weather Network at Washington State University, USA. His research and extension program focuses on 'sensing and automation technologies for site-specific and precision management of production agriculture' in the state of Washington. He has published total of 95 peer reviewed publications, 5 book chapters and 5 extension fact sheets in precision agriculture domain. He is recipient of 2018 New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research award by Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, Washington DC. He serves as an Associate Editor of Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers; and also chairs ISHS Working Group on 'Mechanization, Digitization, Sensing and Robotics'.

LUIGI MANFRINI: Senior assistant professor and pomology and nursery management lecturer at the University of Bologna. His research focuses on application of new technologies and precision managements coupled with the effects of the environment on fruit tree physiology with the aim to develop new strategies to improve orchards sustainability maintaining high level of quality and yields. Currently involved in national and international projects addressing issues related to precision management implementation, sustainable fruit production and efficient resources use. Secretary of the EUFRIN Working Group on "Decision Support Systems". Author of more than 60 publications in scientific and professional journals.

MANUELA ZUDE-SASSE: She obtained a PhD at the Technical University Berlin in Chemistry, became associate professor at Humboldt University with habilitation in Applied Plant Physiology, and subsequently professor at the Beuth University of Applied Science, Germany. Presently, she serves as group leader for PRECISION HORTICULTURE at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB). Manuela Zude-Sasse has been participating in different societies serving as vice-president of German Horticultural Society, secretary of CIGR postharvest group, and Commission Chair of ISHS, in which she also co-organised scientific symposia and joint networks of research and industry.