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Ms. Wang

About Gray Mold Disease: Ms. Wang mentioned that gray mold disease is a common issue in the tomato fields she manages. Additionally, diseases like early blight frequently occur, causing her significant distress.

Prevention and Control: When facing gray mold disease, Ms. Wang primarily relies on chemical pesticides for control. She informed us that she typically relies on her experience for early prevention. For example, since gray mold disease tends to occur in low-temperature and high-humidity conditions, she proactively sprays pesticides under such weather conditions to prevent it. This proactive prevention approach is crucial because once gray mold disease breaks out, it spreads rapidly. At that stage, pesticide application may not effectively control it, leading to significant crop reduction and economic losses. Ms. Wang's emphasis on early prevention provided us with valuable insights.

Concerns About Chemical Pesticides: Ms. Wang also mentioned that most pesticides develop resistance after a few applications, and she cannot use the same pesticide repeatedly. She further explained that some pesticides require mixing, which is challenging for her as she is unsure of the correct blending ratios. Additionally, some pesticides have strong odors that can cause dizziness if she is exposed to them for an extended period.

Mr. Liang

Regarding gray mold disease: Mr. Liang is a farmer who manages a five-acre tomato field, which operates as a pick-your-own farm during the tomato season. He faces common issues with diseases like gray mold and powdery mildew in his crops. To tackle these problems, he uses methods like crop rotation and high-temperature sterilization.

Regarding pesticides: When it comes to pesticides, Mr. Liang and other farmers prioritize safety. They prefer using low-toxicity pesticides and follow advice from trusted suppliers. They also rotate between different types of pesticides to prevent resistance.Mr. Liang shared that after pesticide spraying, there's usually a waiting period before harvesting. This waiting time can lead to economic losses, so he values effective treatments that minimize this downtime.

Regarding our treatment solution: Mr. Liang's main concern is its effectiveness in managing diseases. He's willing to invest a bit more if a treatment can provide good results, prioritizing effectiveness over cost. This aligns with our goal of offering practical and efficient solutions to farmers like Mr. Liang, ensuring healthy crops and successful harvests.

Hong Chuangjiang

Preventive Measures: Greenhouses, insect-proof nets, and smoke control are physical agricultural measures that help protect crops from pests and diseases. These methods are widely used in agricultural production to ensure the healthy growth of crops.

Pest and Disease Management: Mr. Hong Chuangjiang has his own philosophy, which is "treat when diseased, prevent when healthy, and combine Eastern and Western medicine." This philosophy emphasizes the importance of timely treatment for infected plants and proactive prevention of diseases. Preventive measures are considered crucial because they can determine whether crops will be threatened by diseases in the later stages.

During the early stages of crop growth, microbial agents and fertilizers are mainly used for prevention, which helps enhance the plants' immune systems. In the later stages of crop growth, microbial agents are employed to adjust the microbial community in the soil, maintaining soil health.

Regarding the use of chemical pesticides, a restrictive strategy is typically followed, limiting the number of times a particular pesticide is used. This strategy aims to reduce the development of pesticide resistance and enhance the effectiveness of pesticides.

For plants already infected with diseases, isolation methods are employed for management. However, due to the large-scale cultivation, inspection work becomes relatively challenging. Developing an effective identification system could potentially improve the efficiency of disease detection and management.

Smart agriculture Smart agriculture is also widely adopted in orchards, utilizing techniques such as greenhouse cultivation, drip irrigation, and digital smart management. Data-driven agriculture management has enabled integrated water and fertilizer management, significantly reducing labor costs. Integrated water and fertilizer systems dissolve fertilizers in irrigation water, enhancing fertilizer efficiency. Despite current challenges related to data accuracy, this field still holds tremendous potential for improving agricultural production efficiency and crop quality.

Mr. Cheng

The Millennium Tomato Farm at the Dachengxin Company covers an extensive area of six hundred acres, with two hundred acres personally managed and cultivated by Mr. Cheng. Additionally, Mr. Cheng imparts his extensive cultivation experience to farmers in neighboring villages, providing them with valuable technical guidance for growing cherry tomatoes.

Regarding the issue of gray mold disease: Mr. Cheng explained the tomato cultivation process and the primary diseases affecting his tomato fields. Gray mold disease is the predominant ailment in his tomato fields, and they currently employ chemical pesticides for control. However, the effectiveness of this method is somewhat limited, resulting in substantial losses.

Concerning pesticide application: Mr. Cheng informed us that pesticide application usually requires the assistance of knowledgeable technicians. He often provides technical guidance to local farmers in nearby villages. He observed that some farmers lack an understanding of pesticide usage rules. Despite the recommended application rates on packaging or in instruction manuals, certain farmers occasionally add pesticides excessively based on their subjective preferences. This leads to increased pesticide residue in crops and, in some cases, contamination of the farmland environment. Furthermore, for pesticide mixtures, farmers lack clear guidance on appropriate proportions for mixing.

Regarding Polycobead: We explained our product design and treatment plan to Mr. Cheng. He appreciated the user-friendliness of our product, particularly the convenience of the quantitative encapsulation method using beads. As for our treatment plan, he expressed that his primary concern was its effectiveness. As long as it can provide effective pest control, he would be very willing to use our product.

Cheng Jiabo

Regarding gray mold disease: Mr. Cheng informed us that he not only sells tomatoes but also has his tomato farm upstream in the industry. Gray mold disease is a significant issue faced by his tomato farm. It can manifest both before and after the fruits set, making detection and treatment extremely challenging. Currently, there are no effective methods for detection or treatment. The primary approach is to prevent its spread by burning infected plants.

Once gray mold disease appears after fruit setting, it spreads rapidly within the crop. While greenhouse cultivation can reduce the incidence of the disease, it comes at a high cost and takes two years to recoup the investment.

Although harvested fruits may not initially exhibit symptoms, there is still a risk of fruit rot during transportation due to the presence of gray mold spores. This can lead to significant losses. Furthermore, gray mold disease is highly contagious, exacerbating the potential damage to crops.

Regarding biopesticides: We also inquired about Mr. Cheng's views on biopesticides. He mentioned that his primary concern is the cost. While biopesticides are environmentally friendly, their higher prices can lead to an increase in the overall production cost of tomatoes.

Mr. Huang

Regarding tomatoes: Mr. Huang primarily sells vegetable tomatoes, which he sources from various locations based on the tomato season. He informed us that these tomatoes are grown both in greenhouses and open fields. Greenhouse cultivation allows for year-round harvesting and is less susceptible to diseases.

About organic vegetables: Mr. Huang also discussed organic produce with us. He explained that organic vegetables cannot be sprayed with pesticides, which can sometimes result in less visually appealing appearance. Organic farming relies heavily on organic fertilizers, and the certification standards are stringent, leading to higher production costs and selling prices. However, as the economy continues to develop, organic vegetables are gaining popularity due to their environmentally friendly nature and superior taste, and the consumer base for organic produce is expanding.

Opinions on our treatment solution: An effective green treatment approach can further promote the development of organic vegetables, making more people willing to invest in such produce.

Li Yonghong

Shenzhen Agricultural Science and Technology Promotion Center has primary responsibilities encompassing agricultural technology advancement, crop quarantine, seed management, biotechnology safety, new variety promotion, and pesticide/fertilizer/seed regulations.

The Agricultural Development in Shenzhen: Professor Li Yonghong informed us that agriculture in Shenzhen and its surrounding areas is diverse, with a focus on leafy vegetables. Various cultivation models such as greenhouses and pick-your-own farms are prevalent. Tomato cultivation exists in the region but on a smaller scale, with a majority of pick-your-own farms and small-scale farmers. Pest and disease issues, including gray mold, sour rot, and powdery mildew, are common, especially during the fruiting stage of tomatoes. Typically, meteorological monitoring and empirical predictions are used, with limited direct detection methods.

Management of Pesticides by Agricultural Authorities: The sale and usage of pesticides are subject to government regulations, with specific qualifications required for pesticide sales. Different categories of pesticides with varying toxicity levels are subject to different management measures. The government promotes the scientific use of pesticides and provides guidance to farmers on the appropriate timing and methods of application. Additionally, the government is concerned about the impact of pesticides on soil and takes measures to reduce soil pollution. For large-scale cultivation, the government entrusts specialized agencies to provide agricultural pest control services to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Views on Biopesticides: Professor Li Yonghong mentioned that the advantages of biopesticides lie in their environmental friendliness and safety. However, they come with higher costs and slower effects, requiring advance prediction and forecasting. The government can establish certification standards and collaborate with agricultural enterprises to conduct large-scale cultivation experiments, using data to prove the safety and effectiveness of biopesticides, thereby gaining consumer trust.

Significance of Promoting Biopesticides: The significance of promoting biopesticides lies in meeting modern society's demands for environmental protection and the quality of agricultural products, with promising market prospects. Through government guidance, promotion, the establishment of certification standards, and collaboration with the market, consumers are more willing to purchase agricultural products cultivated using biopesticides.

Regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Professor Li also shared her views on GMOs, stating that GMO technology is part of technological advancement. Public concerns about GMOs primarily result from inadequate public awareness. GMO technology can be beneficial for improving crop traits but must be used correctly. In China, strict regulations and labeling requirements are in place. Agricultural authorities conduct GMO awareness campaigns. The approval timeline for GMO crops varies depending on multiple stages, and policy constraints exist.

Ma Haifeng

Regarding the demonstration field: The center oversees various agricultural functions such as strategy development, policy formulation, quality monitoring, disaster prevention, and crop disease and pest control. Mr. Wang specializes in crop disease and pest management, offering farmers technical support through field observations, and possesses expertise in prevalent crop diseases, pests, and control measures. Mr. Ma guided us on a tour of the demonstration field and explained in detail the process of breeding new varieties and the implementation of demonstration trials for new technologies at this location.

About plant protection: Mr. Ma shared with us common tomato diseases and the medications used for treatment. He also explained the timing of disease occurrence and the corresponding weather conditions. He led us to observe the growth of some crops and planting methods on-site and shared some principles and experiences related to plant protection. He emphasized the importance of using a diversified approach to manage plant diseases and pests, maintaining ecological balance, prioritizing prevention over treatment, and using pesticides rationally to achieve sustainable agricultural production. Additionally, he mentioned the significance of regulating pesticide use in accordance with the law, improving farmers' technical skills, and ensuring food safety and environmental health.

Regarding our treatment plan: After reviewing our treatment plan, Mr. Ma expressed agreement, stating that it aligns with the principles of plant protection and represents a comprehensive approach to pest control.

Wang Rifang

Tomato Production Challenges: The main issues in tomato production are bacterial and fungal diseases, with a focus on bacterial wilt. Bacterial wilt spreads rapidly in hot and humid conditions and is transmitted through the soil, leading to vascular blockage and wilting.Mr. Wang mentioned that grafted tomatoes are primarily used to prevent soil-borne diseases such as bacterial wilt and Phytophthora early blight, while diseases transmitted through the air, such as late blight and gray mold, still require timely control through conventional planting measures.

Regarding gray mold: Gray mold is a common disease in hot and humid conditions. Tomatoes can be divided into early and late crops, with late planting helping to reduce the impact of gray mold. For fungal diseases like gray mold, triazole-class pesticides are currently the main method of control, providing effective and economical results.

Best Time for Pesticide Application: Mr. Wang pointed out that pesticides can be applied after the disease has occurred, but based on the basic principles of farming, farmers typically observe seedlings daily. Once a disease is detected, they immediately perform appropriate pruning and apply pesticides, which generally yields good results. Leaves affected by the disease, usually young leaves, need to be pruned because the disease can affect photosynthesis. However, it's important to note that pesticides are not a universal solution, and improper use can lead to reduced yields. In winter, the likelihood of disease infection may increase, especially under abnormal weather conditions.

Regarding Disease Prediction and Warning Models: Currently, disease prevention is primarily based on experience and meteorological factors, with early preventive pesticide use being a common practice.

About Biopesticides: Currently, there is a market for immunostimulants like aminooligosaccharides that enhance immunity. However, farmers tend to use these products less due to the lack of visible effects and cost considerations. Farmers are more inclined to use treatments for diseases that have already occurred and focus on effectiveness. Nevertheless, from a scientific development perspective, there is still a pressing demand for new technologies like biopesticides. Biopesticides may have some limitations compared to chemical pesticides, such as the environmental and storage requirements for Bacillus thuringiensis. Additionally, they require specific testing parameters.

Li Li

The center's responsibilities encompass various aspects of agricultural production, including formulating agricultural development strategies, planning, and policies, monitoring agricultural product quality and safety, as well as disaster prevention and crop disease and pest control.Ms. Li's primary responsibility involves conducting on-ground trials and promoting new varieties and technologies.

Regarding technology promotion: Ms. Li emphasized the strong support from the government for agricultural development and new technologies. He mentioned that technologies like RNAi need to go through a series of processes within agricultural departments, including approvals and field trials, to be implemented. The government actively supports the development of new technologies by providing financial aid, research funding, and tax incentives, among other measures. During the promotion phase, relevant departments introduce and provide training to farmers to ensure the correct use and widespread adoption of these new technologies.

As for our treatment plan: Ms. Li expressed that the government highly supports the use of biopesticides, which align with environmental conservation principles and have substantial growth potential. He emphasized the importance of the treatment's efficacy, as farmers are more inclined to use products that deliver good results. Additionally, he highlighted the convenience of product usage as a crucial factor in successful promotion. Ms.Li also mentioned his willingness to assist us in further promotion if our technology matures.

Chen Wenhui

The Huizhou Boluo County Agricultural Science and Technology Demonstration Center's primary functions include experimenting with new pesticides, introducing new crop varieties and technologies, and promoting agricultural research and demonstrations.

Technology dissemination plays a crucial role in rural revitalization. Currently, many rural areas are promoting the concept of "one village, one product," with the core idea being to unite farmers and support agricultural industries to achieve prosperity in villages. Continuously exploring new industrial models is the inevitable choice for rural revitalization. Director Chen stated that our products are a vivid example of technology assisting agriculture.

Regarding pesticide usage: the current situation is that most pesticides and fertilizers are inorganic chemical products. Although there are some organic fertilizer products available in the market, their effectiveness is not ideal. Therefore, many farmers prefer to purchase inorganic fertilizers rather than choosing free organic ones. Consequently, we may need to focus on improving the effectiveness of our products, especially if the cost can be relatively high while ensuring excellent results. Currently, the country is actively promoting the development of organic and biological pesticides, as well as organic fertilizers.

promotion: Director Chen mentioned that when our products are ready for practical experimentation, we can use a demonstration field approach. This allows farmers to witness the product's effectiveness firsthand, and they can spread the word among themselves. This is considered the most effective way of promotion.

Yin Zaobin

The main responsibility of Boluo County Agriculture Bureau's Pesticide Residue Detection Center is to test pesticide residues to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products, thereby ensuring compliance with regulations and consumer health. We would like to inquire with Director Yin about the current pesticide residue detection standards and sampling criteria.

Views on biopesticides: The teacher believes that biopesticides offer greater safety. For example, while herbicides like Paraquat are highly effective, they pose significant health risks to humans. Consequently, liquid formulations have been adjusted to have an irritating odor to prevent misuse. However, these measures have not completely eliminated incidents of self-harm, leading to a gradual phase-out. In contrast, our biopesticides have promising prospects. Unlike fertilizers and other products, our pesticides still hold high value.

Requirements for pesticide sales: Pesticide sales require a license and compliance with various conditions and training. Purchasing pesticides involves identity registration through a specialized platform. Licenses typically need to be renewed every five years, and past penalties may necessitate reapplication. Additional requirements may include maintaining records, township-level inspections, and regular enforcement checks.

Ms. Guo

Ms. Guo was randomly interviewed during our visit to the Dabanqiao Market in Nanshan District, Shenzhen. Dabanqiao Market is a daily market where local residents purchase vegetables and fruits. It is home to more than 100 vendors.

Shopping Habits: The individual usually uses Meituan for grocery shopping but decided to visit the farmer's market on this occasion for its convenience and cost-effectiveness.The shopper evaluates groceries based on factors like value for money, pricing, and the taste of the products.

Priorities: There is no specific emphasis on organic or pesticide-free produce during this visit. The primary concern is to make practical and budget-conscious purchases.

Age Differences: The shopper acknowledges that different age groups may have varying priorities. Older individuals may place more importance on pesticide residues in groceries but will still consider price when making their purchases.

Inspriration: This also provides us with a valuable insight, which is to pay special attention to the perspectives and needs of different age groups when conducting consumer surveys. In our future consumer surveys, we have been mindful of asking about their age to observe the focus areas of various age demographics.

Ms.Lin

We met Ms. Lin during a random interview at the Dabanqiao Market in Nanshan District, Shenzhen. This market is where local residents buy groceries and has over 100 vendors selling fruits and vegetables.

Primary Purchase Considerations: Ms. Lin mentioned that she typically doesn't include factors related to pesticide residues and similar issues in her purchasing decisions, as she considers it the responsibility of market regulation. When selecting food items, she places greater emphasis on affordability and the freshness of the ingredients. Regarding genetically modified crops, she usually opts not to purchase them due to concerns.

View on Organic Food: Ms. Lin believes that organic food is relatively expensive. She has limited knowledge about the benefits of organic food and may perceive no significant difference in taste and quality compared to regular food. As a result, she is not very inclined to purchase organic food.

Mr.Qiu

We met Mr.Qiu in Huaren Wanjia, a large chain supermarket in Shenzhen known for its rigorous inspection process that ensures the quality and safety of produce.

Attitude towards pesticide residues: Mr. Qiu believes that the issue of pesticide residues requires the support of market supervision because consumers often find it difficult to proactively select vegetables that meet safety standards. They lack relevant information and struggle to determine whether the vegetables they purchase are affected by pesticide residues. Therefore, he believes that promotion and the establishment of relevant standards are crucial.

Attitude towards GMOs: Holds a skeptical attitude towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and has misconceptions, believing that most tomatoes in the market are genetically modified

Inspiration: Mr. Qiu's misconceptions have made us realize the lack of knowledge and understanding among the public regarding new technologies. To dispel public doubts and misunderstandings about new technologies, especially when it comes to emerging technologies, scientific outreach becomes crucial. This underscores the need for broader dissemination of relevant knowledge to ensure that people have a correct understanding of new technologies and are better equipped to accept and apply them.

Ms.Fan and Ms. Li

Huaren Wanjia, a large chain supermarket in Shenzhen, is known for its rigorous inspection process for the sale of fruits and vegetables, providing consumers with more assurance. This strict inspection process helps ensure the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables. We interviewed two madams who are currently shopping for groceries here.

Regarding pesticide residues: both grandmothers believe that market regulatory authorities should ensure the safety levels of pesticide residues in food. They think that consumers often find it difficult to determine on their own whether vegetables and fruits are affected by pesticide residues, and therefore, regulatory oversight and standards from relevant authorities are needed to guarantee safety.

Shopping habits for groceries: The grandmothers mentioned that they usually buy groceries at the local market because they find the produce to be fresher and more delicious. Occasionally, they may visit a supermarket for their shopping needs.

Mr. Xu

Regarding agricultural products: Mr. Xu personally doesn't pay much attention to pesticide residues and has trust in government regulatory mechanisms. As for organic vegetables, he doesn't typically purchase them because of their higher prices.

We explained our treatment plan to Mr. Xu, and he responded with a positive attitude. He expressed his willingness to embrace new technologies and methods, b elieving that by introducing these innovations, better results can be achieved, efficiency can be improved, or existing challenges can be addressed. This positive attitude is often instrumental in driving innovation and development, leading to the success of projects or programs.

reflection:Mr. Xu believes that the younger generation is more likely to embrace new technologies, but he also thinks that older consumers may not necessarily be willing to accept them. This underscores the importance of proactive communication and addressing concerns when promoting new technologies. In our future consumer surveys, we will actively explain the principles of our technology and considerations related to safety to consumers.

Ms. Qin

Regarding pesticide residues: Ms. Qin is very concerned about pesticide residues and their potential impact on food safety and health, especially for children and the elderly. Faced with this concern, she tends to prefer buying organic food or products labeled as pesticide-free because she believes these products meet her requirements for food safety

In addition, Ms. Qin is more inclined to shop at large supermarkets because she believes that these supermarkets typically have stricter quality assurance measures and can provide more reliable food supplies.

Regarding our biological control solution: Ms. Qin remains optimistic about our product. However, she expresses a concern that adopting biological control methods should not significantly increase the prices of vegetables. She also emphasizes the importance of having reliable oversight and safeguards in place for new technologies. This indicates her desire for a balance between adopting innovative techniques and ensuring affordability and safety in the agricultural sector.