Life Sciences Commons^™

B646: Aerial Photographic Methods Of Potato Disease Detection, F. E. Manzer, George R. Cooper

Bulletins

Aerial photography was shown to be a valuable tool for the detection of late blight and other diseases and disorders of potato. Aero infrared and Ektachrome Aero Infrared films were used to demonstrate that potato foliage, normally highly reflective to near-infrared radiation, loses this property when in an unhealthy condition. The 10 in reflectivity seems to vary in proportion to the magnitude of the vine damage. Vine damage resulting from infection by the late blight fungus can be detected on either of the infrared film before visual plant symptoms develop.