Optimization of solutions for the one plant protection problem

Plant protection problems are simulated by a system of ordinary differentia l equations with given initial conditions. The sensitivity and resistance o f pathogen subpopulations to fungicide mixtures, fungicide weathering, plan t growth, etc. are taken into consideration. The system of equations is sol ved numerically for each set of initial conditions and parameters of the di sease and fungicide applications. Optimization algorithms were investigated and a computer program was developed for optimization of these solutions. 14 typical cases of the disease were simulated and optimized in order to de termine optimal fungicide treatments. The optimized strategy for fungicide application differs considerably from the commonly used method and seems to be an important new principle in plant protection. The approach developed in this study may be useful for a wide spectrum of purposes in the simulati on of leaf diseases. It may also help the biologist to decrease or pinpoint experimental work and analyze its results and is perspective for plant dis ease control.