A Web-Based Decision Support System to Enhance IPM Programs in Washington Tree Fruit

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs can be thought of as a method of pest control that substitutes information based complexity to reduce damage in place of simple control tactics that are applied on a repetitive basis regardless of pest pressure or timing. Under IPM, the cost savings from eliminating repetitive spraying and undesired environmental and worker safety problems frequently offset the cost of obtaining the information needed to guide the pest management program. However, the biggest impediment to implementing sound IPM programs is the breadth of information required and the fact that the information is generally highly time sensitive.