Author
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SMITH, TIMOTHY - Washington State University Extension Service |
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Pusey, Paul |
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Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2011 Publication Date: 5/1/2011 Citation: Smith, T.J., Pusey, P.L. 2011. Cougarblight EZ, a substantial update of the Cougarblight fire blight infection risk model. Acta Horticulturae. 896:331-336. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The development of practical, but reasonably accurate fire blight infection risk models is considered a critical factor in the management of fire blight. Cougarblight, an empirically designed fire blight infection risk assessment model, was originally developed prior to significant recent advances in knowledge and technology. Improved environmental data and further experience with actual infection events in several regions has led to significant alterations. The updated version will be referred to as Cougarblight EZ. As with past versions, the model takes into account temperature and wetness conditions during the time that the host plant is blooming, compiles a four day moving total of degree hours, considers any 2 or more hour wetting of flowers as a potential infection event, and recognizes the importance of fire blight history in the neighborhood around the potential host in question. The simplified version of the model is similar to past versions, and will require only modest adaption by the user. The more important changes relate to effect that temperature has on the host as well as the pathogen, limitation of the use of the model to certain times during the growing season, and emphasis on forecasting risk and preventative action in recognition that biological products will likely become more used than antibiotics in most world production regions. Justification for these changes in the Cougarblight infection risk assessment model will be presented, and paper or Excel file copies of the model will be made available for testing or use. |
