WormBase: a data management and information system for forecasting Spodoptera exempta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Eastern Africa

Forecasting and information services on nutgrass armyworm, Spodoptera exempta (Walker), have been in operation in East Africa since 1969. Using current season and historical data from moth traps, together with outbreak and meteorological data, the probability of outbreaks in administrative areas can be predicted for the following week. WormBase, a database and information system, was developed to provide improvements in access to the data, data interpretation and synthesis, presentation of forecasts and information, forecast evaluation, and training of forecasters. The development and function of WormBase, written in dBASE IV for use on IBM-compatible PCs, is described. The database management section of the system provides facilities for entering, browsing, plotting, and printing data. The forecasting tools section provides a range of programs that assist with specific tasks routinely undertaken by forecasters, including forecast production and verification. WormBase is currently in use in Kenya and Tanzania