Are spore collectors used to calculate rust incidence in the field?

Asian soybean rust is caused by a fungus (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) that spreads through the air. In South America, there is a sequence of plantings that begins in Bolivia, moves through Paraguay, and reaches Brazil. This creates a planting window that starts in July and ends in February, followed by a harvest sequence from October to May.

During harvest, a significant cloud of spores accumulates in the atmosphere and, traveling at a speed of about 90 km per day, is carried by air currents. DigiFarmz uses this information to feed epidemiological models that explain the development of epidemics.

DigiFarmz is actively seeking solutions to quantify the number of spores in real time—not only for rust, but for all pathogens. Data generated with a delay of five days is not useful for making timely adjustments to control programs. Real-time airborne inoculum information is essential for greater precision.

In any case, the models currently available provide sufficient accuracy for DigiFarmz’s systems, enabling highly effective disease control.