As a part of PESTCAST, we are developing a centralized database containing crop disease models. We intend to include not only models developed within California but also in other parts of the U.S. or other countries. We would like to take this opportunity to inform interested researchers and members of the agricultural community about the existence of this project and also solicit input on what crops, crop models, and what parameters should be included in the database.

To add to the disease model database, please fill out a form by clicking here.

Current information to be gathered on models:

• Crop
• Disease common name
• Pathogen
• California-based work with model-stage of model, cooperators and location of work
• Model developer and reference
• Sensor locations - height and location relative to crop canopy
• Input variables - environmental, host, and pathogen variables included
• Algorithm - mathematical relationship between input variables and disease
• Action threshold - Disease risk level and if based on real time weather data or weather forecasts
• Model Validation
• Model Implementation
• Current limitations of model
• Future work to be done
• Related work - citations
• Model Vendors and 1996 price

For more information on the disease database or to provide information on models, please contact:

Dr. Janet C. Broome, E-mail:

Phone: (916)754-8547