KNOWING how long water remains on the surface of potato plant leaves is impossible via manual monitoring, but is useful knowledge that can be provided by weather apps, according to agtech supplier Sencrop.
Without a weather sensor to measure leaf wetness, it’s necessary to walk around fields to observe the presence of water on the leaves.
Leaf wetness conditions play a crucial role in disease development, particularly fungal diseases, and by closely monitoring leaf wetness, growers can anticipate risks and plan interventions. Humidity also plays a crucial role in determining the optimal timing and positioning of treatments.
For low volume treatments, good leaf wetting allows for better dilution of products, improving their effectiveness, while for standard volume treatments, excessive moisture on the leaves can cause the product to wash off, reducing effectiveness, Sencrop’s specialists advise, adding that by anticipating critical wetting periods, growers can plan treatments at the right time, reduce their expenses and gain efficiency.
Source: Sencrop Image: carmen677
