A User-oriented Approach to the Design of a Knowledge-based System for Winter Freeze Protection of Peaches and Nectarines

Abstract

The techniques of task analysis and task allocation were applied to the problem of decision support system development in tree fruit production. The task of midwinter freeze protection of peach and nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] flower buds was chosen as the model system. Sixty-five tasks and subtasks were identified as necessary components of the freeze-protection activity at the testing and subsequent management activity levels. Of these, 45 were done exclusively in the orchard where we wished to focus our efforts to benefit the broadest group of growers. Of these 45 tasks or subtasks, 13 were judged suitable for computerization. These 13 tasks were prioritized in order of importance to growers through a self-administered mail survey that asked how often they would use a computer to perform each task. Based on a 77% rate of return, peach and nectarine growers indicated that they were most likely to use a computer to monitor weather forecasts for general weather and freeze alerts, monitor real-time orchard temperatures, and estimate critical temperature ranges for flower-bud damage. This close interaction also produced additional design and use information for the proposed knowledge-based system, such as data presentation requirements, the presence of a variety of farming styles that often determined how the critical temperature data were produced and used, and the challenges of developing suitable validation data for the users.