Selection of the Optimal Apple Variety for Raising Orchards Using the Methods of Multi-criteria Analysis

Raising an orchard is a long-term investment and it is necessary to plan for all possibilities. The choice of the system of planting, tree distance, selection of varieties and planting materials must be carefully considered to ensure maximum production. Selection of the appropriate varieties of fruit is the most important problem fruit growers are faced with. Planting the wrong varieties entails long-term negative consequences. This paper deals with the way in which the model of decision-making can be used to facilitate decision-making. A hybrid decision-making model based on the method of multi-criteria analysis and group decision-making was created. By using a fuzzy approach and expert evaluation on the apples, the ranking of individual apple varieties was performed. Out of the total number of apple varieties, six varieties that are the most famous in the world were selected for this paper. These are also the varieties that are the most planted ones. The results of this study showed that the 'Jonagold' variety has the best results, while the 'Gala' variety showed the worst results. The application of the decision-making model provides guidelines for improving the decision-making process in orchards. The model can be used with the necessary corrections in other branches of orchards and serve orchardists to improve production.