SPEC (System for Forecasting Disease Epidemics) has been operating since 1^st September 2004 as a joint initiative of Institute of Plant Genetics PAS and DuPont Poland and in cooperation with research oganisations such as Research Center for Cultivar Testing, Institute of Plant Protection as well as University of Rzeszow. It is the first system in Poland that aims to forecast the risk of stem canker of oilseed rape - one of most dangerous diseases of rapeseed in Poland and worldwide. The system is based on estimation of pathogenic fungi ascospores (Leptosphaeria maculans & L.biglobosa) concentration in the air. Ascospores of these fungal species are the main source of infection of oilseed rape plants, thus monitoring of their spore formation is an important contribution to support decision making in stem canker control.
  SPEC is addressed to oilseed rape farmers, associated farm service personnel, breeders, commercial company representatives as well as also students and research personnel with an interest in plant pathology and plant protection. SPEC is funded by DuPont-Poland. Information is distributed free of charge.
  The system has been continuously expanding. In 2004 monitoring took place in 5 locations in central and western Poland. Five new Burkard spore trapes were added in 2005 and monitoring of ascospore concentration in the air also covered the eastern regions of Poland. Moreover, since 1 September 2005 additional examination of maturity of fungal fruting bodies (pseudothecia) has taken place in 44 sampling sites all over Poland. At present SPEC is the biggest system aimed at monitoring stem canker in the world.
  SPEC has been operating as a result of cooperation between IPG PAS, DuPont Poland and the following research institutions: Research Center for Cultivar Testing (COBORU), Institute of Plant Protection (IOR), University of Rzeszow (UR), Agricultural University of Poznan (AU), Intitute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG) and agricultural advisory centres as well as two commercial enterprises: “Arenda” in Charbielin and “Agro Fundusz Mazury” in Drogosze. Polish Association of Rapeseed Producers has taken patronage on this system