Potato production can suffer substantial yield losses due to high population densities of the potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis. This study aims to evaluate the use of an unmanned vehicle (UAV) to detect and estimate the effect of PCN densities on four cultivated potato cultivars in a naturally infested field in the Netherlands. The study estimated the initial population density (Pi) of G. pallida and assessed the fresh tuber yield of the potato cultivars.

The Seinhorst yield loss model was used to investigate the relationship between Pi and fresh tuber yield. The study found that all four cultivars were affected by Pi, and the density at which the fresh tuber yield started to deteriorate was in the range of 0.62–2.16 eggs (g dry soil)−1.

The study also observed a regression between Pi and all UAV indices, except for the cultivar Avarna for the two UAV indices (NDRE and NDVI).

The study suggests that all indices can be useful for detection and decision making for statutory purposes but not for estimating damage, except the chlorophyll index.

Further reading: “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Detection and Prediction of Damage Caused by Potato Cyst Nematode G. pallida on Selected Potato Cultivars” – mdpi.com