DDIS: Distance Diagnostic and Identification System for Extension

Distance Diagnostic and Identification System (DDIS) provides an environment using digital cameras and the Internet for identification of plant, insect, livestock, and disease problems for UF/IFAS employees.

A pilot project including ten counties was set up for DDIS testing. Each county is equipped with a digital camera, a stereoscope and a microscope (four counties only). The system is open to all UF/IFAS employees. Today, 23 counties are equipped to participate in the program, and any county with a digital camera may participate. For more information about this project please visit the DDIS web site. You may download the DDIS software and find a list of recommended hardware on this web site.

Background

Plant protection involves correct and timely identification and control of insects and diseases. Plant diseases in many cases are difficult to identify and it is often necessary to consult a specialist. A common approach when there is a pest problem is to collect samples and send the samples to a specialist for identification. The delivery process using regular mail can take days which leads to delays in pest control recommendations. In addition, sometimes samples cannot be used for problem identification due to their deterioration during the mailing process. A timely and accurate diagnosis is needed to avoid the costly mistake of applying inappropriate management practices.

How DDIS Works

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Today, digital cameras are widely available and can deliver excellent image resolution and clarity. Visual symptoms of pests can be captured using digital cameras or microscopes mounted with image capture devices. With joint efforts from extension agents, specialists and the staff of IFAS Information Technologies, DDIS was developed to allow users to submit digital samples and other associated data to an object database on a server. DDIS operates similar to an elaborate e-mail system. It allows users to submit images and field data of 1) management, plant physiology, nutrient disorders, non-biotic problems, 2) insect and other arthropods, 3) plant disease, 4) plant and weed identification, and 5) livestock and aquaculture.

DDIS provides a tool for agricultural extension agents to rapidly submit and retrieve information related to management decisions on plant disease control. Through interactions on the Internet between extension agents and specialists, problems can be quickly elicited and assessed. More importantly, the system creates an archived digital library of plant problems that can be used in training, educational programs, assisted diagnosis and data mining.