An Example of Integrated Forecasting System for Phytophthora Infestans on Potato

Abstract

PLANT-Plus® was initially developed by Dacom as a Decision Support System (DSS) for management of Phytophthorainfestans and has been used on-farm since 1994. The system has been extended with models for Alternaria solani and several other fungi or insect pests in different crops. Another modules include the irrigation management system based on ET data and soil moisture sensors, and models for potato tuber infection and fertilizers management. This integrated suit of DSS models offers a turn-key solution for the plant grower. The PLANT-Plus platform enables communication of data between farmer, consultant, processors and other accredited users in the food chain. The users can choose the most appropriate interface, and can configure a variety of output types such as SMS text messaging, fax and e-mail warnings. The system offers an integrated ten day weather forecast which provides a predictive risk assessment for the coming days. The disease models require the availability of on-farm, automatic, weather data and were developed in cooperation with experts from different areas and countries. In contrast to most of the other available models, PLANT-Plus is based on the lifecycle of the P. infestans, combining infection events with the unprotected part of the crop. The model will recommend when to apply a new spray and what type of chemical to use, i.e. contact, translaminar or systemic. The benefits of the models are clearly demonstrated in field trials and commercial evaluations all over the world and provide safe spraying programmes with the lowest possible use of chemicals for the control of late and early blight in potato crops.