This activity will focus on the optimization of simulation models currently used in crop protection by the grape-growing industry. These models are used as a tool to improve the positioning of chemical treatment applications, reducing the economical and environmental impact associated with these practices. Greater effectiveness could be obtained if the final-users could use models that had been optimized for their particular region. The main objective will be the development of the optimization software for PALM, a simulation model for downy mildew of the grapevine, using clusters of general-purpose, heterogeneous Pcs and Workstations. A secondary goal will be the development of a database for the great amounts of climatic and biological data required by the optimization. Final-users will benefit from the automation of the data collection, verification and normalization procedures, while being able to perform their normal data manipulation from geographically dispersed locations.