An Android-based Forecasting System for Disease Management on Wheat Head Blight in Jiangsu Province

A typical climate-related disease, the wheat head blight has mostly been controlled by spraying fungicide rather than by preventive measures. This study utilized the available database, Android mobile operating system, Internet access, and weather forecast to predict and broadcast possible occurrence of wheat head blight. Through this forewarning system, relevant information could be disseminated on real-time basis via Internet and WiFi to be retrieved on a computer or mobile devices. The system was designed to make forecast using a well-tested simulation model with inputs from the data bank that stored the information on the growth and flowering of wheat according to the specific sowing date, variety, and locality of the crop, as well as the weather conditions. It would provide a new, rapid means for the farmers to most efficiently prevent the epidemic of wheat head blight from happening.