Spatial analysis of the early blight intensity of tomato in three municipalities of Cienfuegos in the 2012-2013 campaign

Abstract

This research was developed from information obtained from a damaging agent in the territory of the Plant Protection Station (PPS) of Lajas in the province of Cienfuegos in the municipalities: Lajas, Palmira and Cruces. The spatial intensity of early blight ( Alternaria solani Sor.) is analyzed in 2012-2013 campaign. An analysis of the requirements of stationarity required for the study was made, which included the adjustment to the normal distribution, identification of outliers, analysis of basic statistics to determine the existence of stationarity; subsequently the variogram map for analysis of anisotropy was represented, which accompanied by the directional semivariograms allowed to determine the directions of higher and lower spatial continuity, and theoretical model was fitted to the experimental semivariograms. As a result the map estimation was obtained with the best fit model which presented a determination coefficient greater than 95 % and coefficient of correlation greater than 0,95. With this processing is obtained, a better tool for decision making in Plant Protection Station to establish control tactics aimed at specific pockets of infestation and improve the management of tomato and other crops that can be affected by this harmful agent.

Keywords

• geostatistics
• semivariogram
• early blight
• tomato