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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (27): 99-105.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0125

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Research on Correlation Between Meteorological Factors and Apple Leaf Fall Disease in Longdong Region and Its Prediction Methods

QIU Ninggang1,2(), ZHANG Hongfen2(), ZHANG Tianfeng2, ZHOU Zhongwen2, MA Yuanhui2, QIU Yalin3, DU Jun4   

  1. 1 Lanzhou Institute of Arid Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Lanzhou 730020
    2 Qingyang Meteorological Bureau of Gansu Province, Qingyang, Gansu 745000
    3 Qingyang Forestry and Grassland Science and Technology Promotion Station, Qingyang, Gansu 745000
    4 Ningxian Meteorological Bureau of Gansu Province, Ningxian, Gansu 745200
  • Received:2025-02-24 Revised:2025-07-06 Online:2025-09-25 Published:2025-10-07

Abstract:

This study analyzed the relationship between meteorological conditions and apple leaf fall diseases using observation data (2014-2023) from the Agricultural Technology Promotion Center of Ningxian County (a core apple-producing region in Longdong) and meteorological data from Ningxian Meteorological Station. Statistical methods included correlation analysis, multiple regression, and hypothesis testing. The results showed that the active period of apple leaf fall diseases in Ningxian occurred from June to October, with the highest severity observed between July and September. The disease onset was closely associated with early-stage rainfall and air humidity, while frequent precipitation and high temperatures were the dominant exacerbating factors. Occasionally, abnormal precipitation delayed disease fluctuations by 5-10 days. The annual maximum disease incidence significantly correlated with winter temperature, early summer temperature, and August-September precipitation/humidity. A multiple regression-based prediction equation was developed, so as to accurately grasp the internal relationship between pathogen activity and weather changes, and provide more accurate meteorological early warning and disease prevention and control suggestions for fruit farmers. Optimizing irrigation and enhancing tree stress resistance can effectively mitigate Alternaria leaf spot severity, thereby improving yield and fruit quality in Longdong apple orchards.

Key words: meteorological factors, Longdong apple, alternaria leaf spot disease, pathogenesis, correlation analysis, regression models