Pest model: how it works and why it matters

Have you ever wondered how a pest model? The models are becoming very fashionable lately due to the savings in inputs and the increase in product quality.

For a plant disease or insect model to work properly, it needs to collect the data that the model uses. Each model uses different sensors, but typically the most commonly used sensors are the temperature sensor, the relative humiditythe sensor of the soil temperature or the leaf moisture sensor.

The most common sensors for modelling are leaf wetness meters, soil temperature sensor and relative humidity and temperature sensors.

The leaf wetness sensor measures the amount and length of time the plant leaf remains wet. The soil temperature sensor is essential to know how many degrees a day the soil insect eggs are laying in order to know at what stage of the cycle they are in. Lastly, the temperature and humidity sensor also helps to know the fungal and insect cycle.

As seen in the log of variables, the model accumulates the sensor data and applies the equations in which it relates the variables. The result of the relationship of variables is the DSVfrom English Desease severity value. In Spanish known as el Disease severity value. The DSV accumulates every time the climatic conditions are favourable for the development of the disease, there will be days when no points will be accumulated, and other days when more than one point will be accumulated. The total sum of the DSV is the “danger“ that the disease has the potential to cause harm.

Each producer establishes a threshold DSV from which it applies the treatment.

It is the farmer's job to establish the threshold at which an application should be made. Normally 15 DSV is a standard value for preventive application. Experience with the tool is key to setting a limit on your farm.

In the example above you can see that the TomCast model uses a leaf temperature and humidity sensor to make its calculations.

It is not only possible to monitor diseases, but also insects. There are a huge number of different insect models, for all kinds of crops, from citrus to avocados to grass.

Using a pest model is perfect for improving crop quality.

Use the disease patterns is essential to achieve optimal crop protection applications. We want agriculture to become more professional and for margins and quality to increase. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will help you to set up your system to get ahead of the problems.

Write to us at soporte@tiloom.com