Development of a Web Based Expert System for Rubber Crop Disease Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

An expert system imitates the decision–making adeptness of a human expert. They are intended to answer complicated questions characterized mainly as if–then rules instead of traditional procedural code. A major problem facing the cultivation of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) in developing countries is the destructive effect of pathogens which result in about fifty percent (50%) loss in crop yield. This problem persists, due to a communication gap between agricultural researchers, such that field extension officers, and farmers are hampered by various operational and logistic challenges. This paper is an effort to bridge this gap, and hence features an expert system that can be accessed online by farmers.  The expert system allows farmers to select disease symptoms presented in categories from a JAVA based user friendly graphical interface. The output generated by the rule–base engine, diagnoses the diseases of the rubber crop, and suggests curative and preventive measures. The main source of information for developing the expert system’ knowledge–base was the Rubber Research Institute, Iyanomo, Edo State, Nigeria.