Abstract
The cotton ecosystem can be seen as a dynamic biological system that occasionally must be adjusted when one element, such as insect pests, gains undue strength. The objective of this research has been to develop a computerized, integrated pest management model for cotton production. This model is intended to be appropriate for a variety of uses, including practical optimization applications, research concerning cotton ecosystems, and an experimental tool for understanding the cotton ecosystem. The multi-stage decision problem of cotton plant and insect populations are developed to describe the entire cotton ecosystems. Next, the concept of dynamic programming with a stochastic weather component is used to determine optimal control policies. Documentation describing the dynamic programming structure of the decision model is provided. The rationale used in the design considerations, and instructions for utilization of the computer model is also included. Optimal decision by an analysis of the model results, will be presented in conjunction with a sensitivity analysis.
Yu, Tsui-Fan (1978). Integrated pest management model for cotton production. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -252557.