Feasibility of implementing an automated forecasting system to control potato late blight in Southern Chile

Abstract

An analysis of the potato yield from experimental plots established in the 2004-2005 season in potato growing areas of the IX and X region was carried out, with 4 phytosanitary treatments compared in each experimental site. An automated alarm system to detect potato late blight disease was analyzed, from climatic data compiled and later processed through the ISO 9000 Standard. The financial economical analysis that was conducted included estimations of the following indices: Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and break-even point. The system appears to be a viable alternative, with values of $1 and 12% for NPV and IRR, respectively.