Remote Sensing and GIS Applications for Precision Area-Wide Pest Management: Implications for Homeland Security

Abstract

Area-wide pest management essentially represents coordinated adoption of integrated pest management to conduct preventive suppression of a pest species throughout its geographic distribution. Scientists and researchers in area-wide pest management programs have been developing, integrating, and evaluating multiple strategies and technologies into a systems approach for management of field and crop insect pests. Remote sensing, Global Positioning Systems, geographic information systems, and variable rate technology are additional tools that scientists can implement to help farmers maximize the economic and environmental benefits of area-wide pest management through precision agriculture. Precision area-wide pest management systems were originally developed to reduce the country’s daily risk of natural pest introductions. Now the systems are being developed to reduce the daily risk the country faces of pest introductions, both natural and intentional. Aerial application under precision area-wide pest management strategy is one of the most feasible methods to quickly limit the threat of area-wide pest infestations, which increased after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.