The Epagri Mob app, developed by Epagri, has been updated with two new functionalities aimed at supporting the apple production sector. The app now allows users to track cold weather conditions and receive updates on apple disease alerts directly on their mobile devices. Luis Hamilton P. Garbossa, manager at Epagri/Ciram, highlighted the initiative as a quick and accessible way to disseminate crucial information to stakeholders within the apple production chain. These enhancements were made possible through the collaborative efforts of Epagri/Ciram professionals and technicians from various units, previously accessible only through the organization's website.
The demand for mobile access to these resources was identified by Felipe Augusto Moretti Ferreira Pinto, manager of the Epagri Experimental Station in São Joaquim (EESJ), who noted the challenges faced by farmers and technicians in accessing computer-based resources while in the field. The inclusion of these features in the Epagri Mob app was suggested by Iran Souza Oliveira, a laboratory technician at EESJ, and was well received by the management of Epagri/Ciram, with Felipe describing the solution as highly user-friendly.
Joelma Miszinski and Angelo Mendes Massignan, members of the Epagri/Ciram team, played key roles in integrating these solutions into the app. They emphasize the importance of user feedback for ongoing enhancement of the app's functionalities, encouraging users to submit suggestions via an email address provided within the app. Angelo highlighted the team's reliance on user community collaboration for continuous improvement.
Leonardo Araujo, a researcher at EESJ, mentioned that the new features on Epagri Mob could enable more rational application of chemicals for disease control and plant dormancy, potentially reducing fungicide costs, which account for a significant portion of apple production expenses. He estimated that the information provided by the app could lead to a 10% to 20% reduction in fungicide use in orchards.
Source: Abrafrutas