Use of Geographic Information Systems to Assess Risk of Boll Weevil Infestations

P.J. Trichilo, L.T. Wilson, R.K. Haldenby, D.R. Rummel, S.C. Carroll, T.W. Fuchs, J.E. Slosser, and I.E. Frisbie


 
ABSTRACT

Geographic information systems (GIS) and geostatistical analyses of spatially referenced data provide a novel approach to integrated pest management. Six years worth of data for approximately 3,800 cotton fields in the Rolling Plains and High Plains of Texas will be analyzed in order to assess the influence of overwintering habitat, weather, and previous year's insecticide use on the risk of boll weevil infestation. Databases now include late Summer-early Fall weevil densities, location and size of all cotton fields and overwintering habitats in three counties of the Rolling Plains, and the number of insecticide applications per field. Eventually, data will account for 15 counties within the Rolling and High Plains. Databases will also include soil type, location of ground and surface water, and endangered species zones, which will be used to assess risk of environmental damage from potential management strategies. GIS and related analyses provide the opportunity to assimilate vast amounts of data, which in turn provide a sound basis for interpreting results and developing management recommendations.



Reprinted from 1993 Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences pp. 944 - 946
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998