Implementation and evaluation of HortIPM: a World Wide Web based interactive integrated pest management resource

Abstract

An interactive website, HortIPM (http://hortipm.tamu.edu), was developed to address the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) as they relate to the production of commercial nursery and floral crops. A web-based approach was selected to overcome the challenges associated with maintaining a current database of chemical and non-chemical control options. This web-based approach provided the opportunity for real-time corrections in labeling changes, new products and deletions. An on-line survey was conducted from February 22 through November 8 of 1999 in an effort to measure the effectiveness of this website. Components of the website addressed in the survey were: 1) the website in general, 2) the Control Options Database, a sortable database containing information on cultural, chemical and biological control of common nursery and greenhouse pests, and 3) the Scouting and Monitoring Database which allowed users to input, edit and plot data gathered from various locations and to monitor these data and/or pest infestations over time. Growers comprised the largest demographic group at 42.9% of the respondents to the survey. According to the results of the survey, respondents to the HortIPM survey indicated high levels of satisfaction with the website and the information available within it. Survey results also indicated that 97.0% expressed a desire to access HortIPM in the future and 90.9% would recommend it to coworkers and other professionals. Furthermore, 29.0% of the survey respondents indicated they had changed their behavior/adopted best management practices due to information received from the website.