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Influence of Information Sources on Technology Adoption in Apple Production in China

Author

Listed:
  • Linjia Yao

    (College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Gang Zhao

    (College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    State Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Changqing Yan

    (College of Intelligent Equipment, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Taian 271019, China)

  • Amit Kumar Srivastava

    (Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Katzenburgweg 5, 53115 Bonn, Germany
    Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany)

  • Qi Tian

    (College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Ning Jin

    (Department of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanxi Institute of Energy, Jinzhong 030600, China)

  • Junjie Qu

    (Guangxi Crop Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning 530007, China)

  • Ling Yin

    (Guangxi Crop Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning 530007, China)

  • Ning Yao

    (College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Heidi Webber

    (Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany)

  • Eike Luedeling

    (Horticultural Sciences, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Auf dem Hügel 6, 53121 Bonn, Germany)

  • Qiang Yu

    (College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    State Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China)

Abstract

China holds the largest apple cultivation area globally, yet yields per hectare remain relatively low. Despite substantial government investment in modern orchard technologies, adoption remains limited among farmers. This study investigates the economic and sociological drivers of technology uptake, focusing on how information sources shape adoption behavior. Based on 382 farmer surveys across major apple-producing provinces, the study examines (1) farmers’ preferences for agricultural information sources, (2) the influence of demographic characteristics on those preferences, and (3) the differential effects of specific sources on the adoption of key technologies, including dwarf rootstocks and virus-free seedlings. Results show that agri-chemical dealers (ACDs) and farmer peers (FPs) are the most commonly used information channels. Access to advice from local experts (EXPs) significantly increases the likelihood of adopting dwarf rootstocks, while information from ACDs promotes the use of virus-free seedlings. In contrast, reliance on personal farming experience is negatively associated with technology uptake. These findings highlight the need to strengthen formal information dissemination systems and better integrate trusted local actors like ACDs and EXPs into agricultural extension. Targeted information delivery can improve adoption efficiency, promote evidence-based decision-making, and support the modernization and sustainability of China’s apple sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Linjia Yao & Gang Zhao & Changqing Yan & Amit Kumar Srivastava & Qi Tian & Ning Jin & Junjie Qu & Ling Yin & Ning Yao & Heidi Webber & Eike Luedeling & Qiang Yu, 2025. "Influence of Information Sources on Technology Adoption in Apple Production in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:16:p:1785-:d:1729121
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