---
title: Space & Water Nexus Hackathon - Challenge by NVWA
---

[Skip to content](https://connect.groundstation.space/space-water-nexus-hackathon-challenge-by-nvwa#main-content)

![logo groundstation dotspace (1) (6)-1](https://connect.groundstation.space/hs-fs/hubfs/logo%20groundstation%20dotspace%20(1)%20(6)-1.png?width=499&height=234&name=logo%20groundstation%20dotspace%20(1)%20(6)-1.png)Homepage

- Registration is closed

- Registration is closed

# Identifying risks of Brown Rot infection in potato fields after large-scale flooding

### Published date: 24-9-2026

## **What is the challenge?**

Brown Rot (Ralstonia spp.) is a bacterial disease affecting potatoes and a regulated quarantine pest in Europe. In the Netherlands, the bacteria are widespread in waterways. One route of introduction is infected surface water coming into contact with potato fields during flooding.

The challenge is to explore whether satellite monitoring can identify fields that flooded after heavy rainfall or high water levels and may therefore be at risk of Brown Rot introduction.

## **Who encounters or is affected by this challenge?**

This challenge affects the organisation responsible for supervising and inspecting potato fields, as well as arable farmers.

An infection may remain undetected until Brown Rot is found in seed potatoes. By then, infected potatoes may have been moved to other fields or farmers. A delayed finding can require more extensive inspections and measures, and cause greater economic damage to affected farmers.

## **What should you work towards during the hackathon?**

Develop a concept or tool that explores three questions:

1. After heavy rainfall or high water levels, which potato fields in areas at risk may have flooded?
2. Which parts of those fields were covered by surface water? Can satellite data help distinguish surface water flooding from rainfall or other sources of water?
3. When Brown Rot is found in a seed potato lot, can historical satellite data help determine whether the field flooded in the past? At this point the infection is known, but the route of introduction is not.

## **What could you demonstrate, test or validate by the end of the hackathon?**

A method or prototype that identifies potentially flooded fields and shows the extent of flooding within a field. Teams could also test whether historical satellite observations help investigate a possible flooding event after an infection has been discovered.

## **How is this challenge currently addressed?**

Official inspectors carry out inspections, and farmers are urged to report flooding so that potential damage can be limited. Reports are rare, and infections often become apparent only later, when Brown Rot is found in seed potatoes.

## **What is currently missing or could be improved?**

More precise information about which fields flooded and how much of each field was affected. This would help determine where additional surveillance may be needed.

## **Challenge owner availability during the Hackathon**

To be confirmed.

## **Additional materials, data and tools**

Additional challenge materials, relevant data and information about available tools and resources will be shared with registered participants ahead of and during the hackathon via Discord and on site.

## **Questions?**

[hackathons@groundstation.space](mailto:hackathons@groundstation.space)

[Back to the Hackathon page](https://connect.groundstation.space/space-and-water-nexus-hackathon-1-3-october-cometlab?hsLang=en)

[Register now](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1H-3MfcC1Q8Wg8LPk4Hj_7w4m0lb)

---

[Terms & Conditions](https://connect.groundstation.space/space-water-nexus-hackathon-terms-condition?hsLang=en) · © 2026, dotSPACE Foundation | All rights reserved.