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A web‐based decision support system to enhance IPM programs in Washington tree fruit
Author(s) -
Jones Vincent P,
Brunner Jay F,
Grove Gary G,
Petit Brad,
Tangren Gerald V,
Jones Wendy E
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.1913
Subject(s) - integrated pest management , tree (set theory) , pesticide , computer science , environmental resource management , business , ecology , environmental science , biology , mathematics , mathematical analysis
BACKGROUND: Integrated pest management (IPM) decision‐making has become more information intensive in Washington State tree crops in response to changes in pesticide availability, the development of new control tactics (such as mating disruption) and the development of new information on pest and natural enemy biology. The time‐sensitive nature of the information means that growers must have constant access to a single source of verified information to guide management decisions. RESULTS: The authors developed a decision support system for Washington tree fruit growers that integrates environmental data [140 Washington State University (WSU) stations plus weather forecasts from NOAA], model predictions (ten insects, four diseases and a horticultural model), management recommendations triggered by model status and a pesticide database that provides information on non‐target impacts on other pests and natural enemies. A user survey in 2008 found that the user base was providing recommendations for most of the orchards and acreage in the state, and that users estimated the value at $ 16 million per year. CONCLUSIONS: The design of the system facilitates education on a range of time‐sensitive topics and will make it possible easily to incorporate other models, new management recommendations or information from new sensors as they are developed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry