Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

Research Compendium 1993 - 1994

Research Project

TRAINING AND SUPPORT PROGRAM UTILISING A COMPUTERISED GRAPHICS LIBRARY

Objectives

• To develop a library of digitised images managed by a database with the aim of making these images more widely available.
• To develop a training and support program in pest identification for use at a range of levels of expertise.
• To emphasise three areas - stored product pests, pests of imported and exported plants and fresh produce and timber.

Background

Access to insect images has been restricted by the cost of publication. The ability to reproduce images cheaply on CD-ROM permitting their further usage in print, video etc. and to have a library that can be consulted on a Bulletin Board, extends their availability nationally and internationally.

Insect identification is restricted by the difficulty found by non-professionals in reading traditional insect keys. This limitation can be reduced by the development of keys on computer that rely mainly on images. Appropriate training material can improve pest management skills and performance of Quarantine Inspectors and others involved in trade in commodities.

Research

The project aimed to acquire suitable equipment, develop expertise in handling images and digitise a large number of the illustrations held by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI). These images were used to develop suitable text, video and keys for the training and support of Quarantine Inspectors. This approach is applicable to a range of the needs of rural industries.

Outcomes

A library of 4000 digitised images is now held on computer in QDPI and the Cooperative Research Centre for Tropical Pest Management (CRCTPM). A database for the management of these images is nearing completion. The images have been used for training and support in text, video and as computer-based images for Quarantine Inspector on pests of stored product, timber, fresh produce and plants. The material on stored product and timber will be further adapted to supply the needs of industry in pest management and the development of quality assurance programs.

The library and the equipment have facilitated the CRCTPM in the production of computer-based software tools for training and support. These include Diagnosis, Wincirus and Wincotton. This work will continue with plans for the development of computer-based keys and software to permit teaching about pests and pest management.

Implications

There is considerable potential to expand the resources established by this project and their exploitation to improve rural production and export potential.

RIRDC Project No: DAQ-142A

RESEARCHER: John W Turner

ORGANISATION: (formerly with the Australian Quarantine and

PHONE: 07 369 1340

FAX: 07 365 1855

Last updated: 10 October 1996
Copyright © RIRDC
Index of RIRDC Projects URL
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/compendium/93-94/index-b.html