Is the plot concept an obstacle in agricultural sciences? A review focussing on fruit production

Innovative cropping systems leading to high quality production and limiting chemical input are required to meet agriculture challenges. However designing cropping systems with reference to the cultivated plot constitutes an obstacle to innovation. We illustrate this viewpoint using fruit tree cropping systems as a case study. The following points will be developed: (1) plot definition depends on the point of view adopted; (2) product quality requires whole field consideration implying multi-level modelling of crop production; (3) farmers often break down or group together plots when managing crops; (4) pest species dynamics involve landscape patterns. In conclusion, the plot may be considered as a multilevel management entity, embedded in a more general context. This stresses the need for infra- and supra-plot studies.