Image processing for distance diagnosis in pest management

Image processing for pest management (IPPM) is an interactive distance diagnostic tool for the diagnosis and identification of diseases and insects. The objective of the IPPM was the automation of the diagnostic process based on interaction of growers and experts via the Internet, to enable pest diagnosis in crops at the earliest possible stage, using photographs produced by growers, coupled with text message exchanges. The application uses current rural telecommunication infrastructure, a standard PC with 56 k modem, available expert knowledge and experience, whilst minimizing system complexity and implementing a user-friendly environment. Experts, farmers and extensions agents were involved in the development of the IPPM. The system performance has been tested in two different environments (LAN and Dial-Up) for the diagnosis of vegetable insects and diseases. The time required to perform a diagnosis with the IPPM was much less than that needed during traditional diagnosis. The system could be recommended as a potentially valuable diagnostic tool for extension services and growers.