Wireless sensor network based advisory system for Apple Scab prevention

Apple Scab, caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis, is the most serious and damaging disease in apples that causes financial losses up to 70% in epidemic years. With the espousal of precision agriculture to ensure better farm management and sustainable development, in this paper, we propose a wireless sensor network (WSN) design, with a view to build a decision support system for the prediction of Apple Scab in the Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, orchards based on the Mills tables. We discuss the plausible architectures and the novelties of deploying a WSN design in hilly region, based on real time variations in temperature along distance and altitude. We also model an early warning system by simulating a WSN using NS-2. Our simulation results help to identify infection prone periods using the logged temperature and leaf wetness measures for the timely prevention of Apple Scab. The implementation plan of the proposed model is also discussed.