Report on RICE-GUARD Market Requirements and Preliminary System Specifications

Abstract

This report outlines the work carried out as part of the EC-funded project called RICE-GUARD. The project concerns the development of a novel in-field system which is going to be capable of continuously monitoring weather data and predicting rice blast disease. A bottom-up approach was mobilised by consulting with farmers associations and carrying out research to obtain a clear understanding of the technological needs and specifications of European rice growers. These consultations serve to understand and detail the current needs and limitations of rice growers in the monitoring and controlling of the most important disease of rice. In addition, they will guide future research and development work to be in line with the markets demands for monitoring rice blast during the different growth stages.