The information system was developed by specialists of Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service (LAAS). The system functions as a web page and no specific software needs to be installed. After a registration, all information on IKMIS is available for a user.

IKMIS was presented in EFITA (European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food, and the Environment) conference in France in 2017. The “Best EFITA 2017 poster communication – vote of delegates” was awarded to specialists of LAAS for their poster (https://www.efita2017.org/best-oral-and-poster-communications).


Picture 1. Specialists of LAAS at EFITA conference. France. 2017.

The system was updated in September 2020 and now more functions are available for a user.

 


Picture 2. Interface of IKMIS.

IKMIS consists of four parts:

  1. Monitoring and Recommendations for Spread of Plant Diseases, Pests, and Weeds.

It is a network of insect traps, online meteorological stations with integrated mathematical modules for forecast of plant diseases and spread of pests. 55 meteorological stations of LAAS, 10 meteorological stations of third parties, and 10 insect traps are connected in the network. The system works as a platform of meteorological stations. It is possible to connect meteorological stations controlled by other parties into the system as well.

A constant monitoring of meteorological stations is being performed and control of data quality is performed as data of meteorological stations must be verified in regional and national scope.

Every week the system is provided with the updated information uploaded by regional plant production advisors of LAAS who observe crops during plant vegetation period according to methodology prepared by researchers. The forecast of harmful organisms is based on meteorological data and data received from certain modules of computerized mathematical calculations. So, competencies of advisers and researchers are combined as data of real-time monitoring about crops is provided by advisers while descriptions of plant diseases and pests are provided by researchers.

 


Picture 3. Print screen of part 1 of IKMIS.

Users of IKMIS have an opportunity to look at data provided by Copernicus Sentinel-2 and U. S. Geocledian Service Landsat-8. Data is adapted for remote monitoring of crops.

Data for weather forecast and critical phenomena is provided by Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service, i. e. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and long rain season.

In order to provide precise information, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and nitrogen measuring devices are used. Catalogues of plant protection products, pests, and weeds contain video material of high quality. This helps to identify pests and diseases faster and to choose registered products of plant protection easier. If consultation about the use of methods of integrated plant protection is needed, a user can contact plant production specialists and advisers of regional offices in an interactive way.

  1. Catalogues of Plant Protection Products, Diseases, Pests, and Weeds. The information system publishes and makes easily accessible the catalogues of plant protection products, diseases, pests, and weeds to facilitate the recognition of a disease or a pest and makes easier the process of selection of plant protection products registered in Lithuania as the most efficient remedy.

Catalogues of plant diseases, pests and weeds and all information about these are provided by experienced researchers of Institutes of Agriculture and Horticulture of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. In an updated version of IKMIS, information on crop diseases and catalogues of pests is updated and descriptions of horticulture and gardening provided. Useful information is provided to users this way.

Users have a possibility to receive relevant information on the use of protection products via e-mail (in a form of a periodic newsletter or sending a request for a consultation about the use of products of plant protection) or initiating an online consultation with a specialist of LAAS when plant disease, weeds or pets occur.


Picture 4. Print screen of part 2 of IKMIS.

  1. Information on Integrated Pest Control. IKMIS offers users a possibility to get interactive consulting by specialists of LAAS regarding the application of integrated plant protection.

Farmers using products for plant protection must comply with requirements listed in plant protection plan (Requirements for Integrated Pest Control, IKOK). Relevant requirements are available in IKMIS where users can broaden their knowledge of various regulations. Users also have a possibility to read relevant articles and watch videos that can be found in IKMIS. In addition, users can fill in a questionnaire and find out if their farms comply with IKOK requirements. If a farm does not comply with regulations of integrated pest control (or complies with several requirements only), a farmer gets information on how to improve the situation.


Picture 5. Print screen of part 3 of IKMIS.

  1. E-courses. Trainings for farmers and agricultural advisers are organized. A system provides 13 online training programmes. Online training courses using various training methods are organized for farmers and agricultural advisers. Qualification certificates and certificates of users and distributors of plant protection products are signed using electronic signature and sent to a user. Trainings are not free.


Picture 6. Print screen of part 4 of IKMIS.

An app for mobile devices is available as well (for Android and IOS). A user needs to register to the system and download the app.


Picture 7. Information about IKMIS in a website of LAAS.