AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the economic risk efficiency of implementing a boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis [Boheman]) eradication (BWE) program in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producing regions of the Mississippi Delta. Alternative producer pest management practices and program cost sharing were incorporated into a biophysical cotton simulation model. Participation in a BWE program along with strict adherence to Cooperative Extension Service pest management guidelines proved to be the risk efficient practice.

fits and costs. This shortcoming may be addressed The purpose of this study was to determine the by directly estimating Mississippi Delta producers' economic risk efficiency of implementing a boll benefits and costs of a BWE program. However, weevil (Anthonomus grandis (Boheman)) eradica- only pest control costs prior to BWE program adop- tion (BWE) program in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum tion are available before initiation of the program. L.) producing regions of the Mississippi Delta. Al- Only after a program is established, does there exist ternative producer pest management practices and ex post data on both program and nonprogram costs program cost sharing were incorporated into a bio- and returns. The use of biophysical simulation mod- physical cotton simulation model. Participation in a els offers a solution as the effects of both program BWE program along with strict adherence to Coop- and nonprogram costs and returns may be calculated erative Extension Service pest management guide- prior to program initiation. lines proved to be the risk efficient practice. Biophysical simulation modeling to evaluate the benefits and costs of a BWE program has not re-

Expert systems methodology has shown considerable promise as an information technology. However, limited knowledge of how current information technologies relate to the decision process impedes the adoption of expert systems. Thus, a consistent theoretical development of how expert systems relate to the decision process is presented. The significance of developing an economic theory of expert systems is substantiated with an empirical application investigating a soybean pest management decision process. Pest management recommendations from extension bulletins and the expert system are compared with an expert's recommendations. Results indicate the potential improvement in decision-making processes with the adoption of expert systems.

Journal Article Szmedra et al. Respond Get access Michael E. Wetzstein, Michael E. Wetzstein Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Philip I. Szmedra, Philip I. Szmedra Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Ronald W. McClendon Ronald W. McClendon Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 83, Issue 6, 1 December 1990, Pages 2122–2123, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/83.6.2122 Published: 01 December 1990