Centaur database: an information system for aphid surveys and pest control

Abstract

The development and the use of an information system (Centaur) including aphid trapping data from suction and yellow traps are described. Centaur is a client-server database on an NT server and the interface is in Windows. The system allows users to enter and retrieve data of aphid captures and to produce summaries of data at various time levels (daily, weekly, yearly) for specific sites. The data can be illustrated graphically and they can be exported or printed. In addition, the system allows the incorporation of biological data and morphological images, and maps which estimate the spatial distribution of aphids. The information retrieval is fast and user-friendly. The system can be of considerable value for research, community ecology, plant protection, public and private authorities, plant protection specialists, agronomists, agrochemical companies, farmers and the agricultural industry as it can be used for decision support. The data can be used to make forecasts for risk and/or to give advice for timely interventions. The system is currently operated in Greece and includes data from 1993 but it can be applied to other European countries and can be used for other insect pests.