Road from R&D to innovation: The challenges and perspectives of trunk injection technology

Abstract The European Union has introduced strict regulations requiring a reduction in pesticide usage, which can be reached by implementing new innovative technologies in agriculture. Trunk injection represents an alternative plant protection method that offers numerous advantages and aligns with sustainability goals. The objective of the research is to provide a comprehensive overview of the history and current status of trunk injection development, and to present its innovation challenges and to examine the potential for commercialisation based on farmers' perceptions. The research methodology used both qualitative and quantitative tools. The current state of research and development (R&D) in Hungary, the advantages and risks were explored through expert interviews. Based on the results of this, the opinions of Hungarian walnut and cherry farmers as potential users of the technology are investigated through a questionnaire survey ( N = 80). It can be concluded that, although trunk injection technology has a long tradition and history, its uptake varies widely around the world. The diffusion of the technology is not facilitated by the strict regulations of the European Union, and R&D is a slow and costly process. However, it is encouraging that farmers are open to the new technology and demand its use.