Expert Systems in Entomology: Three Approaches to Problem Solving

Author： Stone N. D. Coulson R. N. Frisbie R. E. Loh D. K.

Publisher： Entomological Society of America

ISSN： 0013-8754

Source： Entomological Society of America. Bulletin, Vol.32, Iss.3, 1986-01, pp. : 161-166

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Abstract

Potential uses and impact of the application of expert systems technology to the fields of entomology and agriculture are explored. The most common type of expert system, the rule-based system, is described in some detail. The representation of information in the form of rules as well as the interpretation of rules by the system are explained. Based on this general description of expert systems, three types of application are discussed: diagnostic systems, simulation delivery systems, and large-scale systems that act as integrators of different types of knowledge (e.g., expert opinion, objective information, and simulation models). An example of a diagnostic expert system, SYSTEX, for insect identification in the genus Signiphora Ashmead, and an example integrated system, the FLEX system for cotton production in Texas, are described. It is concluded that expert systems will likely have a profound impact on the agricultural sciences, both as a means to dispense scarce expertise and as integrators of knowledge.