Wireless Sensor Networks in IPM

Abstract

An emerging field for environmental wireless sensor networks (WSN) is entomological vector surveillance. Sensor technology can be used to shoulder ecologically friendly practices within the integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Proper surveillance and subsequent modelling of the impact that pest and disease have on human health and crop agriculture is a pressing issue in numerous segments. Complex numerical models are being developed to generate information regarding the population dynamics of vector species and the expected circulation of vector-borne disease (VBD). These models require detailed micrometeorological forcing representative of the vector habitat to generate accurate simulations. Near real-time data offload in remote areas with flexible channels of communication for complex and heterogeneous topographies is an important component in this type of application. In this chapter, the authors provide an overview of the scope and best-practice approaches in applying WSN technology to drive IPM models.