Metrology for Meteorology in Agricolture sites

This project is the first example at European level of metrological approach applied to agricultural meteorological studies. The aims are: (i) improvement of the meteorological observations in field by disseminating the techniques and calibration methods, (ii) evaluate the uncertainty, (iii) implementation of traceability in meteorolgical measurements, and (iv) improvement of the forecasting models. Grapewine Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is one of the most important disease affecting viticulture. Its growth is depending by temperature and humidity. The disease is currently controlled with the use of fungicides, which has considerable economic costs, negative effects on environment, human health and wine quality. This strategy should be reconsidered, through introducing methods to substantially reduce the use of chemicals, the installation of the calibrated automatic weather station in agricultural sites and improving forecasting models by inclusion of traceable data and uncertainties in the input values.