Knowledge System Environment for Integrated Pest Management in Forest Landscapes: The Southern Pine Beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Abstract

Concepts and methods for integrated pest management (IPM) have evolved over the past two decades. Several major research and development programs have been directed to IPM of forest insects. Each program was a successful venture in research that contributed to definition of IPM concepts and methods and increased the knowledge base on the insects. The IPM endeavor evolved from a research and development activity that initially emphasized scientific understanding to a technology transfer and implementation enterprise that today focuses on the use of knowledge for problem solving and decision making. These two tasks require integration, interpretation, and delivery of different representations of knowledge, including heuristic knowledge of experts, simulation results, and technical information. We present a computer-based methodology, the knowledge system environment (KSE), that addresses the issues of efficient use of knowledge for IPM problem solving and decision making. KSE uses conventional computer science and artificial intelligence techniques. It consists of six basic components: user interface, knowledge-based interpreter, connection management system, management information system, geographic information system, and data base management system. KSE is a general methodology that is suitable for addressing IPM in forestry, agriculture and the larger issue of natural resource management.