Farmers often recognise crop diseases or pest infestations only after visible damage has spread.
• Problem Farmers often recognise crop diseases or pest infestations only after visible damage has spread Extension staff may cover large areas, while laboratory diagnosis and expert advice may not be immediately available Weather, crop stage, variety, soil condition and local pest history influence risk, but these inputs are rarely combined into actionable farm-level alerts
Farmers often recognise crop diseases or pest infestations only after visible damage has spread. Extension staff may cover large areas, while laboratory diagnosis and expert advice may not be immediately available. Weather, crop stage, variety, soil condition and local pest history influence risk, but these inputs are rarely combined into actionable farm-level alerts. Incorrect diagnosis may lead to delayed treatment, excessive or inappropriate pesticide use, increased cultivation cost,residue concerns and yield loss. The challenge is to provide timely, reliable and locally relevant detection,forecasting and management support. •