Carrot Alternaria leaf blight management using forecasting model

Abstract

Research on the efficiency of forecasting models for pests and diseases in horticultural plants under Lithuanian climate conditions using internet forecasting system “iMETOS®sm” from Pessl Instruments Ltd. Austria was started at the Institute of Horticulture in 2007. These studies were conducted in the project ‘Establishment of warning models of horticultural plant diseases and pests and its implementation in Lithuania using warning equipment‘. One of the goals of this project was to investigate the Alternaria forecasting model for carrot in Lithuanian conditions. Research on the efficiency the Alternaria forecasting model for carrot under Lithuanian conditions was carried out in 2007–2008. According of meteostation‘s iMETOS®sm the Alternaria forecasting model data favorable conditions for Alternaria leaf blight infections formed in June, July and August, and it generated due to certain weather conditions. Compared with untreated (not sprayed) carrots, spraying according to the Alternaria forecasting model intensity of disease inhibited averaged 91.73%, spraying according to conventional system – 76.26% in carrot ‘Samson‘. The Alternaria forecasting model for carrot was investigated for the first time; therefore for final validation of this model under Lithuanian conditions the experiments should be continued.