Potential application of remote sensing in fruit crops: A review

Abstract

Remote sensing is the practice of acquiring information about an object or region without direct physical contact. It involves detecting, recording, and analyzing reflected or emitted energy to support various applications. Ground, aerial, and satellite platforms equipped with remote sensing technologies provide detailed spectral, spatial, and temporal data on vegetation health and vigour, which is crucial for crop yield estimation. In horticulture, particularly fruit crops, remote sensing offers precise data through diverse platforms and sensors with varying spatiotemporal, spectral, and radiometric resolutions. Its accessibility and accuracy make it a valuable tool in precision horticulture for assessing crop health. Variations in pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids, which indicate plant stress, can be detected through changes in spectral reflectance. Vision-based fruit detection, a key aspect of automation in horticulture, supports accurate fruit identification, enabling efficient resource use and improved returns. Mapping and estimating yields based on individual fruit data enhance productivity. Overall, remote sensing continues to evolve as a vital technology in the future of profitable and sustainable fruit production.