Optimised detection and control of potato blight: sensing pathogens to inform smart spray decisions

This work was part of a larger Innovate UK project “Blight Alert - Optimised detection and control of potato blight - Sensing pathogens to inform smart spray decisions” (IUK 102099). AHDB funding was provided so that disease observations and weather data could be collected and sent to the research partners (James Hutton Institute and Rothamsted Research). 

Automated spore samplers were produced which can be readily adapted for use with a wide range of crop and vegetable diseases. The participating commercial partners were provided with training in the use of the inoculum-based forecast system and gave useful feedback on its operation, information requirements and ease of use.