Decision support systems and pest control – technological distraction or necessity?

Abstract

Grapevine protection against tortrix moths has been a success over the last 35 years, noted primarily by the protagonists of mating disruption as the pest management technique. Data analysis published by official authorities as well as findings directly in the field provide clear and understandable indications that the reliability of sex pheromones as a monitoring system is currently questionable. Therefore, the concerns of growers about the confidence of the mating disruption method should be considered. Timing of phytosanitary action against Tortrix is typically based on determination of Biofix I date, where male’s catches from pheromone traps are input data. Starting this date, the computing of the DD values takes place followed by the monitoring of the oviposition (searching for eggs). Based on that phytosanitary intervention is carried out when the embryonic stage - black head is present. With such concept of the decision process, it is necessary to take in consideration several sources of inaccuracies that significantly affect the timing: 1) reliability of the sex pheromone in relation to the local population, and consequently reliability of population dynamic data in real time; 2) ACV of males catches in relation to reproductive events in the vineyard; 3) error rate related with monitoring of eggs-laying compared to reality. VITIPORT digital platform not only simplifies decision of winegrower, but also allows him to save financial and human resources to be spent on monitoring. Our DSS is based on original algorithms, the accuracy of which has been verified over the last 5 years by professional authorities and winegrowers within the EU. Precise timing in eco/organic farming is crucial, as bio pesticides have a significantly shorter period of effectiveness. In addition to computing males and females eclosion, VITIPORT also indicate very precisely oviposition and larvae hatching. That makes possible to inform the grower a week in advance when insecticide treatment is needed - WITHOUT searching for eggs on the plants! Currently, the DSS also indicates the timing of new phytosanitary tool Pheromark, which acts as a host-marking pheromone with an oviposition deterrent effect. The advantage of VITIPORT is its universality, regardless of geographical location in both hemispheres, atypical weather patterns, correct prediction of population development even in years with spring frosts, as well as in zones with specific variety features that modify the development cycle of the pest, e.g. variety Uni blanc and Cognac region.