Simulation models of plant pests and diseases. COST Action 718

Agrometeorological models represent very powerful tools to improve the activity of growers. Based on meteorological variables they simulate the dynamics of agricultural systems (crop growth, water balance, disease and insect development, etc.), producing a wide range of information available to the farmers. Most of the biological phases of insect and fungus cycles are strongly related to the meteorological conditions, and so they can be considered as one of the main driving factors responsible for the different incidence of attacks during the vegetative seasons. At present many conditions are favourable for the development of new simulation models and particularly for their operational application to support farmer activity. The main objectives of this study is to improve the meteorological applications to agriculture.