Automatic monitoring of insect populations

Abstract

Illustrative embodiments of integrated pest management (IPM) systems and electronic insect monitoring devices (EIMDs) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the EIMDs may each comprise a lure for attracting at least one target insect species, one or more sensors configured to generate one or more output signals in response to an individual insect approaching the lure, and an electronic controller configured to count a number of individual insects approaching the lure. In some embodiments, the IPM system may comprise a plurality of EIMDs configured to communicate over a wireless network shared by the plurality of EIMDs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. §371(b) of International Application No. PCT / US2011 / 056555, filed Oct. 17, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 393,919, filed Oct. 17, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.GOVERNMENT RIGHTS[0002]Part of the work during the development of this invention was funded with government support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture under grant SCRI-103480; the United States Government may have certain rights in the invention.TECHNICAL FIELD[0003]The present disclosure relates, generally, to integrated pest management (IPM) systems and, more particularly, to wireless sensor networks for the automatic monitoring of insect populations.BACKGROUND ART[0004]A consensus exists among government agencies, research institutions, industry, grower organizations, and the general public that regularly scheduled applicati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an electronic insect monitoring device (EIMD) that uses sensors to detect target insects and an electronic controller to determine if the insects belong to a specific species. The EIMD can also communicate with other EIMDs and a decision support system to provide site-specific pest management information. The technical effects of this patent include improved accuracy in identifying target insects and the ability to manage pests in a targeted manner.

Problems solved by technology

For example, if a grower underestimates an insect population to be below a treatment threshold, the grower may not apply pesticide even though there are enough insects to cause serious fruit damage.

On the other hand, if the grower overestimates the insect population to be above the treatment threshold when it is actually below the treatment threshold, the grower may waste money and resources by applying unnecessary pesticides.

Despite the potential benefit, the labor-intensive activities associated with managing pheromone traps have been a key factor slowing down their widespread adoption.

As such, the labor costs associated with pheromone traps can easily become prohibitively expensive (i.e., greater than any savings realized from pesticide reduction).

Constant monitoring of insect populations thus remains one of the most challenging components of any IPM program.

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