MTÜPK together with EULS arranged a workshop for farmers to introduce the results of the spore sampler case study. Dr. Kaire Loit from EULS presented the first-year results of accurate quantifications of airborne species in wheat and potato fields. The objective was to study the role of airborne inoculum on disease development in relation to climatic conditions and to find out the pesticides accumulation rate for no-till fields and its impact on soil fauna. Fungicide use plays an essential role in agricultural production, bringing the primary benefit of crop health and higher yields. The management of polycyclic diseases that have several infection cycles per season often relies on unnecessary routine pesticide application schedules. A new disease decision support system could help reduce unnecessary fungicide applications to help maintain economic and environmental benefits. Discussion with farmers was held about their needs and how new technologies offer support when they make crop protection decisions. Farmers agreed that they would greatly benefit from the disease recognition model and spore samplers across the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

@SoildiverAgro project Case Study 12, check it out http://soildiveragro.eu/project/case-studies/cs12/

www.soilprotection.earth

@ Estonian University of Life Sciences