The spatial pattern in Scandinavia of Phytophtera infestans causing late blight on potatoes.

Jonathan Yuen, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden.

e-mail: Jonathan.Yuen@evp.slu.se

Potato late blight (caused by Phytophthora infestans) is a major pest wherever potatoes are grown. While simulation models and decision support systems aimed at late blight have been developed, these have been built using information based on the isolates of original migration of P. infestans that took place over 150 years ago. A Nordic project was started this year that is examining some of the basic epidemiological parameters of late blight development based on the new population. This will enable development of new simulation models of late blight that will reflect the disease situation.

While the model is being primarily developed for decision support systems, it can also be incorporated into a spatial model that will allow different types of strategic questions to be answered. The requirements for this type of spatial model will be proposed, along with the the types of questions that can be answered.