History, Status and Prospects of the Apple Industry in China

Abstract

Rapid development of the apple industry over the past few decades in China has resulted in a dramatic increase in farmers' incomes in low income regions of the country and improved ecological conditions, particularly a major reduction of soil erosion and an increase in humidity and precipitation in arid areas. Nonetheless, there have been and remain many problems in the apple industry in China. The most prominent problem is that a standard tree size is mainly used in production and this has numerous disadvantages. The poor health of nursery trees (especially virus-infection) is also a negative factor in the development of the industry. Further, monoculture based on a few cultivars may be a high risk. The relatively high cost of production and low yield per hectare are challenges faced in competing with foreign producers for market share. The Chinese government and experts in pomology have recognised these problems and are making efforts to solve them to ensure healthy and sustainable development of the apple industry in China.