Computer aids for plant protection, historical perspective and future developments*

Abstract

Initiatives such as Videotext and forecasting models resulted in a relatively fast introduction of computer technology on to farms at the end of the 1980s. In several countries there were developments to create models for supervised control and data exchange became digital. Most models were developed for diseases that could expand very rapidly, or diseases that should be controlled regularly. In the 1990s, development of weather‐related Decision Support Systems (DSSs) began. It is important to use the optimal way to disseminate information to the target group; which can differ between or even within countries. The use of DSSs results in a lower risk of crop damage by diseases and pests, and a lower input of active substances, from the use of adjusted dosages. Future developments may include the possibility of implementing a number of DSS‐models into a Geographical Information System, which will support precision agriculture by providing adjusted spraying advice based on plot‐specific characteristics. The success of DSSs is despite its development occurring independently in a number of countries. The speed of development of these systems would have been substantially faster had there been real cooperation between countries or groups of researchers. In order to withstand funding reductions, it is necessary for the development of new DSSs that collaboration between researchers and research groups internationally increases significantly in the near future.

The Use and Role of Predictive Systems in Disease Management

“…We point out that persistent deficiencies in the evaluation process impede full assessment of the contribution of predictive systems to plant disease management. Numerous reviews that summarize development and implementation of predictive systems, models, and decision support tools provide scaffolding for this paper (7,8,10,16,20,33,44,65,66,74,93,96). Some qualifications of this review are needed at the outset.…”

Representing Situational Knowledge for Disease Outbreaks in Agriculture

“…The use of weather forecasts in the prediction of plant disease has a long history dating back to at least the early second half of the last century (Bourke, 1970), with modern computer-based weatherrelated decision support systems surfacing towards the end of the century (Bouma, 2007). Jensen et al (2000) describe a Web-based decision support system for crop management which, among other information, included graphical maps for risk of disease and pests.…”

“…Indeed, computer systems have served farmers and agricultural advisers for many decades and purposes, including as decision support systems for plant protection. Bouma (2007) recently reviewed the historical development of computer-based support for plant protection since the 1980s in various European countries.…”

Decision Support Systems for Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola) Control in Grapevine: Short Comparison Review

“…By adopting such models, the fungicides amount can be reduced and the yield quality enhanced, resulting in a more sustainable and effective defence strategy that meets the EU requirements [11]. Since the middle of the 1980s, software programs to support farmers in the decision process regarding timings, dosages and optimal types of plant protection products were developed [12,13]. After the simplified "3 -10" rule, the creation of more structured grapevine DM models steadily begun.…”