This study aimed to assess and determine the optimal model for predicting the full bloom date of ‘Fuji’ apples across South Korea. We evaluated the performance of four distinct models: the Development Rate Model (DVR)1, DVR2, the Chill Days (CD) model, and a sequentially integrated approach that combined the Dynamic model (DM) and the Growing Degree Hours (GDH) model. The full bloom dates and air temperatures were collected over a three-year period from six orchards located in the major apple production regions of South Korea: Pocheon, Hwaseong, Geochang, Cheongsong, Gunwi, and Chungju. Among these models, the one that combined DM for calculating chilling accumulation and the GDH model for estimating heat accumulation in sequence demonstrated the most accurate predictive performance, in contrast to the CD model that exhibited the lowest predictive precision. Furthermore, the DVR1 model exhibited an underestimation error at orchard located in Hwaseong. It projected a faster progression of the full bloom dates than the actual observations. This area is characterized by minimal diurnal temperature ranges, where the daily minimum temperature is high and the daily maximum temperature is relatively low. Therefore, to achieve a comprehensive prediction of the blooming date of ‘Fuji’ apples across South Korea, it is recommended to integrate a DM model for calculating the necessary chilling accumulation to break dormancy with a GDH model for estimating the requisite heat accumulation for flowering after dormancy release. This results in a combined DM+GDH model recognized as the most effective approach. However, further data collection and evaluation from different regions are needed to further refine its accuracy and applicability.

This study was conducted to determine the optimal irrigation starting point by analyzing tree growth, physiological responses, fruit quality, and productivity in peach orchards. Seven-year-old ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ peach trees were used in an experimental field (35°49′30.4″N, 127°01′33.2″E) located within the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science located in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The irrigation starting point was set with four levels of –20, –40, –60, and –80 kPa from June to September 2022. While there were no significant differences in increase of trunk cross-section area and leaf area among treatments, shoot length and diameter decreased in the –80 kPa and –20 kPa treatments. The photosynthetic rate measured in August was highest for –60 kPa (17.7 μmol·m-2·s-1), followed by –40 kPa (15.6 μmol·m-2·s-1), –20 kPa (14.5 μmol·m-2·s-1) and –80 kPa (14.0 μmol·m-2·s-1). SPAD value measured in May and August was lower in the –80 kPa and –20 kPa treatments than in the –60 kPa and –40 kPa treatments. The harvest date reached three days earlier in the –20 kPa treatment compared to other treatments. The fruit weight was highest in the –60 kPa (379.1 g), followed by –40 kPa (344.0 g), –80 kPa (321.0 g) and –20 kPa (274.9 g). Firmness was the lowest in the –20 kPa treatment. The soluble solid content was highest in the –60 kPa treatment (13.3°Bx).The ratio of marketable fruits was highest in the –60 kPa treatment (50.7%) and lowest in the –80 kPa treatment (23.4%). In conclusion, we suggest that setting the irrigation starting point at –60 kPa could improve the fruit quality and yield in peach orchards.

본 연구는 RGB, 초분광 센서를 이용하여 시기별 사과 잎의 엽록소와 질소 함량을 예측하여 사과 나무 잎의 질소 영양을 진단하기 위해 수행되었다. 분광 데이터는 사과나무 ‘홍로 /M.9’ 2년생을 대상으로 고해상도 RGB와 초분광 센서로 촬 영 후 영상처리를 통해 취득하였다. 식물체 데이터는 촬영이 끝난 직후 엽록소와 잎 질소 함량을 측정하였다. 엽록소 측정 기의 SPAD meter, RGB 센서의 개별 파장, 컬러 식생지수 및 초분광 센서의 214개의 파장과 식물체 데이터를 이용하여 회 귀분석을 실시하였다. 엽록소와 잎 질소 함량 데이터는 시기 와 상관없이 질소 시비량에 따라 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 잎은 시기가 지나면서 잎에 있던 영양분이 과실로 전이되어 색이 옅어졌으며 RGB센서의 경우 Red파장에서 시 기와 상관없이 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 초분광 센서의 경우 두 시기 모두 질소 시비 수준에 따라 가시광 영역 보다 비가시광 영역에서 차이가 크게 나타났다. 반사값를 이 용하여 식물체 특성의 예측 모델 결과 엽록소, 잎 질소함량 모 두 초분광 데이터를 이용한 부분최소제곱 회귀분석을 이용하 였을 때 성능이 가장 높게 나타났다(chlorophyll: 81% / 63%, leaf nitrogen content: 81% / 67%). 이러한 원인은 RGB 센서 에 비해 초분광 센서는 좁은 FWHM과 400－1,000nm의 넓 은 파장 범위를 가지고 있어 질소 결핍에 의한 스트레스로 인 해 작물의 분광학적 해석이 가능했을 것으로 판단된다. 추후 분광학적 특성을 이용하여 전 생육 시기의 수체 생리, 생태 모 델 개발 및 검증 그리고 병해충 진단 등 연구를 통해 고품질, 안 정적인 과실 생산 기술 개발에 기여될 것으로 사료된다.