Use of NDVI to predict yield variability in a commercial apple orchard

Abstract

Apple orchards are a vital component of the economies of many countries worldwide. Producers are looking for ways to reduce production cost by reducing inputs. Apple yield prediction is one method which can help the farmers to manage the inputs more efficiently. A study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 in a commercial apple orchard in Greece in order to determine the relationship between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measurements of the tree canopy with the apple yield. The results proved that there is correlation between NDVI measurements and yield in early June of each year (2011: r=0.81; 2012: r=0.52).