Powdery mildew prediction tool to boost strawberry industry

Strawberry powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Podosphaera aphanis and it attacks the leaves, flowers and fruits of strawberry plants, causing major yield loss. In the UK, the disease can result in yield losses of between 20% and 70%, with a 20% yield loss in 2016 costing an estimated Ł56.8 million (AHDB, 2017).

The system, which can be used on smartphones or computers, records humidity and temperature. It forecasts when the fungus is likely to grow and alerts the grower to high-risk periods when fungicide sprays are needed. By using the system, the grower can control the disease using fewer fungicide applications, reducing the risk of yield loss and saving money. The average cost benefit of the system in 2018 was Ł250/ha, with no detriment to the crop.

Dr Avice Hall MBE, from the School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire said: "This useful tool can help strawberry growers better manage the use of fungicides. The risk of disease development is clearly visualized on screen and updated continually. It will allow them to control the disease throughout the season with fewer fungicide applications and record their fungicide use with ease from any device. It will enable growers to be proactive, rather than reactive, which helps reduce the use of fungicides, decreases costs and reduces environmental impacts - thus delivering high quality fruit to the consumer."

Agri-tech Services has been closely involved with the project, from proof-of-concept to recent validation work, funded by Ceres. Agri-tech Services has licensed the technology from the University of Hertfordshire for commercial exploitation. During the 2019 season, the system was validated on eight commercial sites throughout the UK and is now available to purchase.

Source and Photo Courtesy of Hort News

Source: Hort News