PhytoAlert was developed by INTA together with McCain Argentina and Wageningen University (Netherlands). Using weather data, records and forecasts, it shows when to spray preventively and which fungicide to choose. After four seasons in southeastern Buenos Aires, it matched the effectiveness of a fixed spraying calendar while reducing fungicide use by up to 50%. Through the FONTAGRO project, the tool is also being validated with farmers in Tucumán and Córdoba, with excellent results. “PhytoAlert is not only a tool for identifying the critical moments for late blight; it also helps select the right fungicide,” explained Florencia Lucca of INTA Balcarce. In Chile, farmers receive similar alerts through tizon.inia.cl.

🔗 Original news (in Spanish): A technology tool to fight late blight
📄 Publications (in Spanish): FONTAGRO Tech (PDF) · Poster (PDF)