Target-orientated and precise, real-time fungicide application in cereals

Abstract

Real-time application technologies based on the target crop, crop surface area and biomass using non-contact sensors for precise fungicide spraying in winter wheat have been developed in a joint research project. The decision support system proPlant expert.classic and the internet-version proPlant expert.com (proPlant GmbH) suggest appropriate fungicides and dosages for certain infection scenarios of eight important leaf and ear diseases of winter wheat. The Precision Farming Module “Fungicide”, which runs on the on-board terminal in the tractor cabin, controls the spraying process. During the spraying process, the module defines the local target application amount using a local ultrasonic sensor value as an input parameter.Winter wheat field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 (Agri Con Co., ATB) to analyse the relationship between the sensor values (ultrasonic and camera) and the leaf area index (LAI) and biomass crop parameters that are important for a locally adapted and variable fungicide application rate. Measurements were performed several times during the vegetation period at sampling points that were visually selected based on crop density. Regression analyses showed that after technical changes in 2014, a linear relationship was obtained between the sensor values and the two crop parameters.