PhytoPRE+2000: a plot specific decision support system on the Internet

Since May 2001, Swiss potato growers are supported by the new internet-based decision support system (DSS) PhytoPRE+2000 to control potato late blight (www.phytopre.ch). Core parameters of this DSS are 1st the actual occurrence of the late blight on national and regional level and 2nd historical (recent) and forecasted weather data to recognise main infection- and sporulation periods (MISPs) of Phytophthora infestans. The fact, that single weather events (temperature, relative humidity, rainfall) are crucial for the development of the late blight epidemic, revealed, that for a most efficient timing of the fungicide treatments the way of information exchange had to be accelerated. For this reason, Internet proofed to be an ideal system. With PhytoPRE+2000 the FAL developed a new, completely revised and interactive decision support system, which contributes to an efficient and more ecological control of late blight disease on potatoes.