ISHS Acta Horticulturae 489: VIII International Workshop on Fire Blight
AUTOMATED WEATHER AND FIRE BLIGHT MODEL DELIVERY TO GROWERS |
| Authors: | J.W. Travis, C.E. Felland, K.D. Hickey, D. Truxall, J. Russo |
| Keywords: | Simulated weather, plant disease management, fire blight, apple scab |
| Abstract:
Simulated weather data refers to interpretive models that improve upon current weather station observations or numerical forecasts. Through the use of statistical techniques and mathematical algorithms, meteorologists can give the user the "simulated" local weather even though the original source of information is miles away. Simulated weather data are available for past, present and future weather events. This information allows users to include both observed and forecast weather information in their disease management decision making. Simulated weather data can be easily interfaced with disease models. Over the last two growing seasons, 30 apple growers located across Pennsylvania have tested simulated weather reports and daily disease risk alerts for fire blight. The growers receive the weather information and disease alerts daily via email or FAX. The weather information is provided as both “observed” and “forecast” for specific farm locations. In addition, the growers receive daily fire blight alerts, which includes a record of the fire blight infection risk for the previous days in the month and a 7-day forecast of the fire blight risk. Surveys conducted over the test period have shown that growers are confident in the simulated weather and fire blight alerts. | |
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