Disease management

PLANT-Plus, a Decision Support System uses local weather data, together with a local weather forecast combined with crop information to improve crop protection and justification of agrochemical use.

The system generates a field specifice risk assessment which leads to a decision based on detailed pest and disease models.

Models available:-

Potato	early/late blight
Leeks	white tip, alternaria and rust
Lettuce	downy mildew
Onions	downy mildew, botrytis
Carrots	alternaria, cercospora and sclerotinia
Celery	septoria
Strawberry	botrytis
Tomato (outdoor)	late blight, alternaria

The models utilise:-

Field location and characteristics

Crop growth and development

variety susceptibility

local infection sources

fungicide wear off and wash off

know biology of organism

The calculation is then linked to the local weather conditions from a locally situated weather station and the 5-day local weather forecast. This allows the system to be proactive as well as reactive to infection conditions. Hence a rational approach can be used in the selection and application of protective and curative fungicides.

The information is then processed to generate a PLANT-Plus advice graph and table for the current disease pressure and the risk for the next five days. The pressure is based on a threshold scale. Outputs can be communicated via the internet, telephone and text message.

Benefits of PLANT-Plus

The PLANT-Plus system allows the grower to:-

select the best treatment and timing, providing cost effective crop protection

minimise use of agrochemicals

increase the crop yield, storability and marketability through improved crop protection

justify inputs in accordance with the crop assurance schemes

provide a record of actions

The advantages of the PLANT-Plus system for the packer/processor are as follows:-

improved crop quality, marketability and storage performance provides opportunity for improved customer service, better financial returns and reduced wastage

system provides real time access to crop status, crop disease risk and crop treatment records leading to improved supply chain information and customer service

implementation of this technology demonstrated commitment to technical advancement

closer relationships with key producers

Plantsystems are pleased to provide services and support for PLANT-Plus

To request further details please contact us.