A field trial was conducted in order to stud the development of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) early blight caused by Alternaria solani using four different spraying treatments: 1) weekly sprays; 2) application according to the TOMCAST (VSD20); 3) CUFAST; and 4) FAST forecasting system. The fungicide used was Viçosa Mixture, a nutrient amended Bordeaux mixture. Weekly sprays were begun in the second week after planting while the other spray treatmets were made according to each respective forecasting model. Disease severity was assessed weekly with the aid of a diagrammatic scale. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate accuracy-of-fit for the Gompertz, logistic, and monomolecular mathematical models and the disease progress data. The logistic model best described disease progress over time. The apparent infection rate (r), for the logistic model, and AUDPC values, were used to compare treatments. Disease progress rate (r) and AUDPC values for the weekly spraying treatment were the lowest. However, they were not statistically different from the treatments based on the TOMCAST and FAST schedules. Compared with the weekly spray regime to limit early blight severity, the spraying schedules associated with TOMCAST and FAST resulted in 40 to 60% fewer applications.
