Develop Smartphone and Tablet-based monitoring application to assess and map, monitor and assess field crop health and invasive species presences

Abstract

There are many pests and diseases that can lower yield and quality of field crops in NY. Monitoring and tracking these threats is a very important aspect of integrated pest management (IPM). Tracking can help us see trends with pest infestations across the state. One example is that we have been tracking a new pest, western bean cutworm (WBC) in NY for several years now. Certain areas of the state have increased dramatically in the level of infestation while its range has also increased. Northern corn leaf blight is another of several examples. Both, the severity and distribution of this disease has increased across the state for several years now. By using a scouting app for a smartphone or tablet that allows you to record the pest/disease presence and will benefit the producer and Cornell University by providing current impact data and historical documentation of records/trends from year to year. A scouting app has been developed to assist with the weekly collection of WBC trap information to improve the efficiency and consistency of data collection. A Field Crop IPM Reporting app has also been developed to address insect pests, diseases, vertebrate pests, and weed impacts on alfalfa, corn, small grains, and soybeans. Additionally, tools are under development to assist with the interpretation and visualization of the data. Adaptation of these app and tools for application to other pests and diseases is under consideration.