Use of meteorological radar to estimate leaf wetness as data input for application of territorial epidemiological model (downy mildew-Plasmopara viticola)

The model has been checked in a limited area (about 200 km2) with an high presence of grapevine (DOC Aquileia) in the period from may 2000 to september 2000. In this area the data from eight meteorological automatic stations installed for diseases-defence purposes are used as test, and has been calculated the downy mildew infections using the Goidanich model. These grids have been compared with the maps calculated using data coming from meteorological radar and synoptic stations. The outputs are similar and the proposed method can be considered a good approach in the operative use of radar in the crop protection.