Abstract
Little is known about the spatial distribution patterns or the rate and direction of spread of Diaprepes abbreviatus root weevil infestations in citrus. Weekly adult weevil emergence data obtained from georeferenced Tedders Traps placed in a diamond-shaped grid were projected geographically by means of a Geographic Information System (GIS). The GIS (ESRI ArcGIS) was used to provide spatial interpolation of Diaprepes abbreviatus emergence for unmonitored areas for weekly periods for one to four years (2000-2003). Animation software (Macromedia Flash) was then utilized to combine the weekly interpolations into an interactive animation that enabled visualization of the spatiotemporal aspects of Diaprepes abbreviatus emergence throughout the entire grove. In addition, these Diaprepes abbreviatus abundance interpolations were synchronously aligned with weekly rainfall data. The resultant interactive animation successfully portrayed different geographic and seasonal aspects of Diaprepes abbreviatus activity while simultaneously observing rainfall in a smoother transition through space and time than was previously thought possible. The visualization of the spatiotemporal aspects of Diaprepes abbreviatus emergence captured by Tedders Traps was much more evident when viewed as an interactive animation than could be derived by more conventional analysis of tabular or graphed data. The ability to visualize additional factors such rainfall or soil temperature in conjunction with spatiotemporal emergence could not only elucidate the ecology of Diaprepes abbreviatus, but also result in a fully an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program by providing essential timing and location information necessary for precision application of crop protectants.
