ARS | Publication request: Remote Sensing and GIS Applications for Precision Areawide Pest Management: Implications for Homeland Security

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: August 15, 2007
Publication Date: May 1, 2008
Citation: Huang, Y., Lan, Y., Westbrook, J.K., Hoffmann, W.C. 2008. Remote sensing and GIS applications for precision areawide pest management: Implications for homeland security. In: Sui, D.Z., Cutter, S.L., editors. Geospatial Technologies and Homeland Security: Research Frontiers and Challenges. New York, NY: Springer. p. 242-256.

Interpretive Summary: Pest management has evolved from field-by-field control to site-specific control. Site-specific control requires more advanced technologies for precise geographic data acquisition and processing, spatial analysis, and variable rate application. The site-specific control strategy provides effective pest control, economic pesticide use, and low environmental pollution. Areawide site-specific pest management was originally conceived to reduce the recurring risk of natural pest infestations. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, site-specific pest management has been adopted to reduce the risk of intentional pest introductions. Aircraft equipped with devices for precise geographic data acquisition and processing, spatial analysis, and variable rate application will be useful to quickly limit natural and intentional areawide pest introductions.

Technical Abstract: Areawide pest management represents coordinated adoption of integrated pest management to conduct preventive suppression of a pest species throughout its geographic distribution. Scientists in areawide pest management programs have been developing, integrating, and evaluating multiple strategies and technologies into a systems approach for management of field crop insect pests. Remote sensing, global positioning systems, geographic information systems, and variable rate technology are additional technologies that scientists can implement to help farmers maximize the economic and environmental benefits of areawide pest management through precision agriculture. Originally precision areawide pest management systems were developed to reduce the risk of recurring natural pest infestations; but now are being developed to reduce the risk of both natural and intentional pest introductions. Aerial application under the precision areawide pest management strategy is one of the most feasible methods to quickly limit the threat of areawide pest infestations, which has increased since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.