Critical Review of the Brassica ICM CD-ROM



Critical Review of the Brassica ICM CD-ROM

Introduction

The presence of pests on the farm fields has extremely harmful and negative effects on the crops. This issue is a crucial one for the farmers. Various controlling methods and techniques have been devised to deal with the issue of pest controls. Farmers are always looking to find novel ways to deal with this major issue. They need efficient and effective advisory expertise on this issue. The CD ROM titled 'Brassica ICM' is one of the various methods that can help the farmers in better management of their crops. This study examines various aspects of the CDs and provides suggestions for its improvement.

Organization and Structure of information of CD-ROM

The CD-ROM designed for the purpose of assisting farmers for the management of brassica crops has many positive aspects to it. They are as follows:

For each section of the CD, the data is organized logically and sequentially.

Alphabetical index is created for keywords. That process to be extremely useful for quick access to the required data.

All the content of the CD is crystal-clear and organized in a proficient manner. This makes it easier for users to follow the details.

There are links to numerous other resources.

The CD-ROM also has a few negative aspects associated with it. They are as follows:

The fact sheets of various pests such as plant diseases, insect pests and weeds are mingled with each other. This creates a lot of confusion for the user. It is recommended that section of the fact sheet be categorized into three categories on the basis of the various types of pests.

In spite of the fact that the programming techniques that are designed are outstanding, usage of modern programs of computer does not make CD uninteresting.

Components of IPM/ICM in the CD-ROM

The toolkit has covered and focused on almost all of the IPM/ICM components. They are as follows:

The control methods of biology, chemistry and culture are explained in-depth. This makes the CD prove to be helpful to agricultural advisors in addition to farmers.

This CD recognizes and clarifies the crucial steps of application of IPM/ICM. This will certainly improve agricultural advisor`s and farmers capability towards application of these techniques.

It has valuable data regarding the appropriate methods of hygiene of field.

Last but not the least; it consists of necessary data regarding the natural enemies. This data deals with resistances of insects to chemical controls. This CD failed to address a few serious and important issues that the implementation of IPM in the crop field faces. These issues include resistances of plant disease and IPM application costs.

Recognition and identification of chemical control related problems

The Brassica CD-ROM has clearly identified the problems regarding the chemical controls for the insects that are harmful. One major problem is the resistance of insects to the chemical controls. This causes crucial difficulties to controlling application. The main causes of this crucial issue are discussed in this CD. A few of the reasons are that a few pests of insect build up resistance ...