The reduction of chemical control of leek rust, a simulation study

The pathogen causing leek rust, Puccinia allii Rudolphi, needs to infect new crops of leek (Allium porrum L.) before the harvest of infected crops to ensure its survival. A model is presented which simulates chemical control against leek rust under a system of supervised control. The spread of disease between fields in one farm and the influx of spores from outside is part of the model. The possible reduction in fungicide sprays against leek rust following various preventive measures is estimated with this model. Results from this preliminary model suggest that supervised control of leek rust will result only in a considerable reduction in the number of fungicide sprays if the leek fields are sufficiently isolated and the planting material is initially disease free. Where isolation between the fields is not feasible, overlap between successive crops should be avoided. Without the use of these preventive measures, there is little prospect for supervised control and the grower will have no option but the heavy use of fungicides.