A geo-referenced Decision Support System for nematodes in potatoes

An ActiveX-component called NemaMod has been developed containing all available, relevant quantitative knowledge about plant parasitic root nematodes (cyst nematodes, root knot nematodes and Protylenchus spp.) in some major crops, but with emphasis on potatoes. The component is the core of a decision support system (DSS) for nematodes. Because of its nature, an ActiveX-component enables the development of different interfaces by different software developers. The DSS for nematodes will be connected to a Farm Management System (FMS), which contains all farm-related information necessary for agricultural practice, administrative duties required by the Government and certification. Moreover, by way of the FMS the DSS has access to Geoinformation for farmers and results provided by statutory soil sampling agencies. Geoinformation enables sampling results to be visualised, giving an overview of the on-farm situation on nematodes. The farmer can use the DSS to calculate risks, compare cropping scenarios, ask 'what if' questions on the basis of sampling data and he gets site-specific answers to his questions displayed in the visualization module. NemaMod enables risk management for crop losses over a number of cropping frequencies with various levels of stochasticity. The DSS can be applied for both infestation foci and full-field infestations. The primary task of the DSS is to reduce the populations of nematodes to Low, economical Levels that are not harmful and keep them at these Levels. It will facilitate certification harmonised with European (Eurep-GAP) and global standards (GFSI) for food safety and sustainability (promoted by UNEP). NemaMod can also act as an educational tool.