DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER-BASED EXTENSION SUPPORT TOOL FOR DIAGNOSING PROBLEMS IN SWEETPOTATO CROPS

Abstract

An interactive key for diagnosing problems in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) has been developed through an international collaboration between The University of Queensland (UQ), the International Potato Center (CIP) and the Philippines Rootcrops Research Institute (Philrootcrops), with funding from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), who will publish the key on CD-ROM. A network of international experts has contributed information on each of the 73 problem causes covered by the key, which include insect and nematode pests, fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens, and nutritional disorders. The key is based on LucidTM software, developed by UQ’s Centre for Biological Information Technology (CBIT). It utilises a matrix key, which allows the users to select whichever symptoms or signs they observe on a specimen, to reduce the number of possible causes. This is distinct from a dichotomous or pathway key, which requires choices to be made in a defined order. Each problem cause is described in an illustrated fact sheet, which can be accessed from the key or from the CD’s home page. Also available from the home page are informative sheets on sweetpotato biology and crop management. Following prototype development, the key was field tested in a number of countries with various user groups, including extension workers, students and researchers.