Digital technology that creates virtual versions of orchards, trees and fruit shipments could eventually help citrus growers make more informed decisions about production and fruit quality, according to a new review of research. A digital twin combines real-world information, such as weather data, sensor readings and satellite or drone images, with computer models and artificial intelligence. The resulting virtual representation can be used to monitor conditions, predict outcomes and evaluate potential management decisions.
The research review examined 36 studies published from 2019 through 2025 to assess how the technology is being used in fruit production and handling. Oranges were the most frequently studied fruit, appearing in 11 studies. Researchers have used digital twins to track fruit quality during international shipments and evaluate how growing conditions affect quality at harvest.
For citrus growers, that research could help connect orchard conditions with the quality of fruit after harvest. Digital twins also have potential applications in optimizing irrigation and fertilization, identifying plant stress and improving resource use.
Much of the research focuses on what happens after fruit leaves the grove. The review found that 58.3% of studies addressed postharvest operations, including storage, refrigerated transportation and shelf-life monitoring. Digital models can track temperature differences within shipments and estimate how handling and storage conditions affect fruit quality and remaining shelf life.
Despite the potential, the technology is not yet widely ready for commercial use. About 61% of the reviewed studies were validated in laboratory or relevant environments, rather than demonstrated in routine commercial operations.
Challenges include the cost and complexity of implementing digital twins, unreliable sensor data and difficulty adapting models developed for one cultivar or growing environment to another.
The authors conclude that more reliable sensors, shared data and standardized modeling approaches are needed before digital twins can become practical tools across fruit production and distribution.
The review was published Sept. 28 in Agronomy. The authors are Nikola Kopilović of Terra Littera in Serbia; Marianna Kotzabasaki, Konstantinos Nychas, Effrosyni Bitakou, Vasilis Psiroukis, Maria Ntaliani, Konstantinos Demestichas and Constantina Costopoulou of the Agricultural University of Athens in Greece; and Nenad Magazin, Vladimir Cirić, Svetlana Vujić and Dragana Marinković of the University of Novi Sad in Serbia.
Share this Post