FRUITrank: A Web Application for the Selection of Plum Varieties Using the MARCOS MCDM Method

Efficient decision-making in fruit production involves evaluating multiple criteria, such as yield, fruit quality, and resistance, to rank available alternatives. Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods provide a structured and objective framework for such tasks. This paper presents a web-based application named FRUITrank, designed to implement the MARCOS MCDM method for ranking and selection of plum varieties. The application uses a predefined set of criteria, whose weights were determined externally by using other MCDM methods. By leveraging a simple and intuitive interface, the application aims to overcome barriers to the practical adoption of MCDM methods among researchers and fruit producers, such as mathematical complexity and lack of accessible tools. The application was tested using a set of 11 criteria relevant to plum production, demonstrating its capability to deliver reliable and transparent rankings. This paper builds upon prior research in MCDM applications for agriculture, offering a practical solution for producers and researchers to enhance decision-making processes. Future improvements to the developed tool may include automated criteria weight calculation and broader applicability across various agricultural contexts.