Developments in Computer-Based IPM Extension Delivery and Biological Monitoring System Design

Abstract

Application of computer technology in agriculture and especially for integrated pest management (IPM) is increasing nationally in the United States. This is reflected by increased research to identify more efficient means of obtaining biological information on crops, pests and associated organisms (e.g natural enemies of pests); integrating, interpreting and forecasting the possible meaning of these data for IPM and delivering this information rapidly to decision-makers in the field. Pest management simulation models are under construction and validation by research personnel on a nation-wide scale (Ruesink 1976, Tummala et al 1976, Huffaker and Croft 1976). New extension scouting or biological monitoring systems for pests have been established in almost all agricultural states and on a variety of crops (Good 1977). Several of these monitoring programs have been coupled with computer-based, extension delivery systems on an experimental basis (e.g Giese et al 1975, Croft et al 1976a). Implementation-research groups in many agricultural states have given a high priority to developing computer-based systems for IPM over the next 10-year period (e.g Michigan, Bath et al 1977; Indiana, Giese et al 1975; New York, Barton 1977; California, Riedl and Allen 1978, Gutierrez 1978).