A Computer-based, Extension Pest Management Delivery System 1

Abstract

Extension entomologists traditionally have faced the problem of collecting, integrating, and reporting data relevant to agriculture with only crude information processing capabilities at their disposal. This paper discusses the use of computer-based extension delivery systems to augment the flows of information in a modern pest management implementation program. The paper identifies the needs and constraints associated with an integrated pest management (IPM) data acquisition/delivery system developed for pests of apples and other crops in Michigan. The fact that these needs impel a reassessment of customary extension entomology methods is emphasized. Examples of information application types including biological data, weather data, pest population and management models, memoranda, reference data, system documentation, and educational or performance evaluation programs are given. A computer-based Pest Management Executive System (PMEX) is presented. The system consists of a central computer with appropriate software and a telecommunications network linking extension offices scattered over a wide area. At these sites, remote data terminals are used to update and interrogate a large data-base associated with on-line pest management. The implications of prototype IPM extension systems in this class as opposed to extension delivery systems in general are discussed.