PestTracker 2000

PestTracker was created for the grower who needs a fast and easy to use tool for integrating the many pieces of the pest management puzzle.

Origins and History. PestTracker has its origins in the late 80's at Timbuk Farms, Inc. and was originally called Bug Brain, a DOS based program made in house. The "Bug Brain" program functions as an integrated database and word processing program. It writes a specific pesticide application prescription according to the growers needs, prints out the needed applicator information and Worker Protection Standard warning sheet. It then functions as a extensive and powerful database from which to derive reports concerning insect activity, spraying activity and pesticide use. As Windows based applications have become entrenched into the workings of most businesses, the need was seen to convert the program to Windows. PestTracker works essentially the same except for some additional features and its program, with all monies derived from the sale of PestTracker being used to support research initiatives in the industry through the Ohio Floriculture Foundation.

Purpose and Function. PestTracker 2000 is designed to help growers with needs in pest management and with government requirements for proper notification and record keeping. This program is designed for use by a grower of any size, from 3000 square feet of greenhouse to many acres under grass. In order for the program to function, the program requires an initial investment of time by the user to input the required data. Support is provided and a e-mail link will be open to send feedback.

The program addresses the needs of three groups; the grower, the applicator and the worker. The Grower can use the program as a ready reference of pest management information and to write a pesticide application prescription for control of a pest on a crop. The Applicator uses the written prescription made from this program to accurately measure and mix the proper pesticide and deliver it to the right crop. The Worker uses the Warning sheet generated from the program for that application to check where spraying has occurred and when the restricted entry interval is over.

The power of PestTracker 2000 comes from the integration of many sources of information into readily accessible and readable formats. Three of the most valuable uses for the grower and manager are the Application Prescription, the Reference Databases and the Reports. In the Application Prescription, information is gathered and presented according to the needs of the grower for that application. The grower needs only to know the pest and its location. The program presents the information needed to decide the chemical, application method, pesticide amount, water amount, REI, PPE needed and any special instructions specific to that pesticide. PestTracker prints a Warning sheet for posting at the Central Information Board in your greenhouse to fulfill the requirements of WPS. All this data is stored for later reference or reporting.

The Reference Database stores all the information you choose to enter about pesticides, greenhouses, pests and other areas. The information is used when making an application prescription, but is also easily accessible for quick reference. It is easy to look up the technical details of a pesticide (e.g. a chemical with a 4-hour REI), or wish to see all the pesticides approved for use against thrips. The more information entered into the databases, the more powerful it becomes.

The Reports section of the program gathers histories or data and presents it in inventory, historical, or numerical order. A variety of reports can be called up to review application histories, insect infestation trends, pesticide usage and cost, restricted use and pesticide record keeping.

This first version addresses most needs of a growers pest management program. As the Beta version testers add their suggestions and more features are added, PestTracker will get more powerful. It is hoped that PestTracker will be available for sale through OFA Services in the year 2000.