INTERACTIVE USE OF DISEASE MODELS USING A SMARTPHONE

Abstract

Fruit tree canker (Neonectria ditissima syn. Nectria galligena Bres.) is an important fungal disease in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.). Leaf fall is the predominant infection period for this disease. However, in The Netherlands and Belgium, no historical data on leaf fall of apple are available. In practice, collecting leaf fall data is a problem. An innovative approach was chosen to collect leaf fall data and introduce the Nectria model, according to Latorre, to fruit tree growers at the same time. An Android 2.2 Nectria application was developed. During leaf fall, growers received advice twice a week and used the smartphone application to send data and pictures, directly from the field. The general response of the first fruit tree growers who used the smartphone was very positive.