Computer Tools Developed for Aquatic Plant Management

Over the past fifteen years, the Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (APCRP) has pursued development of personal computer (PC) -based information systems for technology transfer in aquatic plant management. Initial development was limited to DOS compatible simulation models and other computational tools. Though effective in generating computational information for several control techniques, the DOS operating system did not allow the models to be interlinked with other information sources required for development of effective aquatic plant management technology transfer tools. However, the advent of the WINDOWS operating system and ensuing software advances for PC's have allowed the recent development of more comprehensive information systems. Of these, the Aquatic Plant Information System (APIS) is the first system scheduled for release for the APCRP. In addition to the simulation models developed in the past (i.e., HARVEST, AMUR/STOCK, and HERBICIDE), the system will include both aquatic plant and biological control identification strategies based on expert system programming, instructional information on a diversity of aquatic plant management topics, and other utilities all accessible through an online HELP supported graphical user interface. The system will be distributed on CD-ROM. Additional DOS-based models not converted to a WINDOWS-compatible format (INSECT, HYDRIL, and MILFO) will be also be included for direct installation from the CD-ROM.