Geoinformatics application in mapping and management of pests and diseases

Abstract

Global change is become a norm and pose a serious threat to food and nutritional security with increased concerns of pests and disease risks. The date palm are prone to several pests, and some are invasively lethal to palm species worldwide. The foremost preventive measures is to quantify vulnerability of palms to pest risks in advance and across the scales (space-time) with innovative use of geoinformatics, big-data and commination technologies (Geo-ICTs). This research demonstrated application Geo-ICTs from in-situ observations to big-data analytics and precision decision making for ecologically and economically sound implementation of the integrated pest management practices to reduce risk and economic loses.