MASTER: validation of existing phenological models of the proPlant DSS for key pests in winter oilseed rape in different climatic areas in Europe and prospects for IPM

摘要

MASTER aims at designing a phenological model for major pests and parasitoids in oilseed rape in Europe, which relates periods of occurrence and activity to growth stage and climatic/weather conditions, integrating these data into computer-based decision support systems. This information should assist farmers and consultants in defining spray windows that are compatible with natural enemy conservation efforts. The proPlant DSS is a software package that was developed in Germany and that has already been successfully applied in the field. It incorporates phenological models for six major pests: cabbage stem flea beetle {Psylliodes chrysocephald), pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus), rape stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus napi), cabbage stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus), cabbage seed weevil (Ceutorhynchus assimilis) and brassica pod midge (Dasineura brassicae). The program uses data/figures on adult pests, weather-based forecasts of flight conditions, egg-laying periods and larval development. The models automatically collect regional meteorological data for the specific region, either from the Internet or from local meteorological stations to predict potential pest infestation, control requirements and optimal treatment dates (Johnen & Meier, 2000).