Abstract
The overall goal of this project is to expand the domain of applicability of dynamic simulation models that describe potato late blight. These models integrate a number of factors that affect the increase of potato late blight. We will use data generated within a Nordic project (NKJ 119) to see if the domain of applicability of these models can be expanded. This is in line with CIP's overall goal of a global late blight model, and the Nordic data will be an extreme test of the robustness of the existing models. The resulting dynamic simulation models can be used to understand the relationship between different components in a biological system, and to understand how changing one component affects the entire system. They will also be used to produce strategic and tactical decision tools that simultaneously condense a large amount of biological data and also allow answering questions regarding the particular biological system. Sub-goals include checking model performance using parameters developed within NJK 119 involving P. infestans and exploring the role that the variability of these parameters has on the overall increase of late blight and evaluating different implementations of the models, such as spatial spread within a GIS framework. The final implementations of the different models in user-friendly forms, as both stand-alone applications, or internet based applications, is a practical, but nonetheless important phase of the project.
Sweden