La découverte et l'extension du Phomopsis du tournesol à la fin des année 1980 ont motivé la mise au point d'outils de surveillance du champignon de plus en plus sophistiqués. Nous disposons aujourd'hui d'outils performants et complémentaires permettant d'évaluer les périodes pendant lesquelles le ravageur peut constituer un risque pour la plante. The monitoring of Phomopsis epidemics is a necessary preliminary measure for the effective fight against this fungus. The sexual form of the fungus (Diaporthe helianthi) via its ascopores, is the most important criterion from an epidemiological point of view. The plant development stage is also important.
With this in mind, the first monitoring tools to be developed were ascospore captors. Then ""damage limitation"" systems were introduced. Finally, in 1993, a detailed model was drawn up; a model which is used today, in association with other, complementary monitoring methods.
