Due to the importance and need for improved transfer of research-based weed information, we believe the greatest benefit will result from efforts focusing on Objective 2. Objectives 1 and 3 will be implemented directly through the web site once the informational base is in place. Weed management recommendations will be included as a part of the information available on the site. The potential also exists to develop an expert system, whereby specific management questions could be asked that pertain to an individual producer's system. We have plans to make the Weed Management Handbook for Montana, Utah, and Wyoming available on the web site in a searchable format.
Feedback loops are an important component of expert systems.
The idea behind the feedback loop is to allow for critique or evaluation of the management recommendation to determine whether or not it was effective. The long-term goal is to generate permanent funding from MSU extension, agricultural industry, and through regional and national funding agencies. Grants will be submitted this spring to USDA Pest Management Alternatives. Extension has funded a plant diagnostician in the MSU herbarium. The future goal is to match identified plants with web-based recommendations that could be easily printed at the county extension office.