Utilization of Intelligent Information Systems for Plant Protection

History

Initiated by ICARDA in 2003, the main objective of this project was to strengthen international capacity in plant protection by enhancing the dissemination of the knowledge and research results accumulated in the CGIAR using information and communication – knowledge management (ICT-KM) tools. The project planned to develop a plant protection expert system to assist training staff in the diagnosis and treatment of crop diseases, enabling farmers to use the resulting knowledge to increase the productivity and profitability of their crops. ICARDA, CLAES, ICRISAT, and IRRI were partners in this project.

The main activities were related to knowledge acquisition and development of the expert systems and e-learning modules. During phase I of the project, considerable effort was made in the acquisition, collation and formatting of knowledge bases through interactive meetings with experts (pathologists, entomologists, virologists and breeders) from ICARDA, ICRISAT, NARS scientists, and literature surveys.

Knowledge acquisition tools were developed for barley, wheat, and chickpea. Most of the pest management knowledge bases were acquired for the three crops. Expert system generic task tools, for easy generation of expert systems, and barley e-learning modules were also developed. Utilizing the barley knowledge base, a Barley Plant Protection Expert System beta version was developed using the expert system generic task tools.

Since integration of various components of  UISPP continued to be  of immense value in decision making in barley, wheat, and chickpea plant protection, intensive training for end-users was of prime importance. It was hoped that this activity would be taken up in the next phase of the project. The project was on the right track to facilitate effective management of pests and diseases for safer environment, better health and increased profits.

Towards the end of the project’s activities, a review was carried out by an external consultant, an expert on intelligent information systems. The review was extremely favorable and strongly supported continued efforts for the further development of the project

Lead Administrative Center

International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA)

Project Coordinator

Zaid Abdul Hadi (ICARDA)