Integrated Pest Management Decision Assistant
Transform pest scouting data into field-specific IPM recommendations balancing efficacy, cost, an...
What You Can Do
Input your pest scouting counts, disease observations, weather data, and field history to receive field-specific IPM decision frameworks. The skill evaluates control options across chemical, biological, and cultural practices—calculating economic thresholds, timing optimal applications, identifying resistance risks, and balancing efficacy against cost and environmental impact. You'll get actionable recommendations ranked by ROI and sustainability metrics, reducing unnecessary sprays while protecting your yield.
Features
Translates scouting observations into identified pressure levels with life cycle stage assessment
Calculates spray-or-skip decisions based on pest count, crop value, and control costs
Scores chemical, biological, and cultural options by efficacy, cost, timing, and environmental profile
Identifies pesticide rotation risks and recommends mode-of-action diversity to prevent resistance buildup
Determines ideal application windows using growth stage, weather forecast, and pest vulnerability windows
Quantifies expected yield protection vs. control costs to support spray/no-spray decisions
Incorporates current conditions and 7-10 day forecasts to assess application windows and disease pressure timing
Accounts for previous pest pressure, pesticide use, and crop rotation patterns in recommendations
Example Output
Input: Scouting data shows 8 aphids/plant on early-boot wheat, 6-day rain forecast, previous season high resistance to pyrethroids, $6/bu wheat value
Output:
- Action: Monitor 3-4 more days; spray threshold = 15 aphids/plant (not yet triggered)
- Recommended control: If threshold hit → Insecticidal soap + banker plants for parasitoids (lower resistance risk than pyrethroids)
- Timing window: Apply after rain clears, morning application preferred
- Economic case: Spray cost $18/acre; potential yield loss if untreated = $35/acre (18% protection threshold met)
- Resistance note: Avoid pyrethroids this season; rotate to neonicotinoid if needed, but prioritize biocontrol given price premium for untreated wheat
Input: Field scouting identifies 12% Septoria leaf blotch infection on lower wheat leaves, 4 growth stage, cool-wet forecast
Output:
- Diagnosis: Early-stage foliar disease; conditions favor rapid spread
- Spray decision: Yes—economic threshold exceeded; disease will advance to flag leaf within 7 days
- Fungicide ranking: (1) Azole group (triazole) for curative activity; (2) Strobilurin + azole mix (avoid strobilurin solo on same field > 2x/season)
- Application timing: Spray within 48 hours before rain (preventive coverage needed)
- Resistance management: Last azole applied 4 years ago—low resistance risk; monitor for strobilurin resistance if used; follow 2-spray max per season guideline
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with IPM decision framework and diagnostic triggers:
- Pest & disease identification checklist (common field crops: wheat, corn, soy, canola):
- Economic threshold worksheet with template formulas for crop value and control costs:
- Pesticide rotation matrix—mode of action groups and resistance risk ratings:
- Weekly scouting log template for data capture (pest counts, growth stage, weather, field notes):
- Weather integration guide for applying 7-10 day forecasts to spray timing decisions:
Who It's For
- Agronomists managing crop protection programs across multiple fields
- Farm managers conducting weekly pest scouting and spray decisions
- Crop consultants recommending pest management strategies to growers
- Extension specialists advising on IPM practices and resistance management
- Sustainable/organic growers evaluating non-chemical control options alongside conventional practices
Best For
- Weekly pest scouting decision-making during growing season
- Economic threshold evaluation (spray vs. no-spray decisions)
- Resistance management planning and pesticide rotation strategy
- Fungicide timing optimization for foliar diseases in cereals and row crops
- Multi-method control comparison (chemical + biocontrol + cultural practices)
- Field-specific IPM recommendations accounting for crop stage, weather, and field history
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