Probit with spatial correlation by field plot: Potato leafroll virus net necrosis in potatoes

A probit model with spatial correlation is applied to data from a held expe riment, which characterizes the impact of management variables on potato le afroll virus net necrosis in potato tubers. In the estimation, each field p lot is assigned distinct spatial autoregressive coefficients for the depend ent variable and the residual to be estimated simultaneously with coefficie nts of the management variables. Statistical findings demonstrate that spat ial correlation exists and varies across field plots. We also find that ign oring spatial correlation by plot results in inconsistent parameter estimat es and leads to management strategies promoting overuse of insecticides. In contrast, incorporating spatial correlation by plot into the probit model yields empirical estimates that are consistent with past research and promo tes more efficient insecticide use from both an individual and environmenta l perspective.