Expert system for identification and management of abiotic stresses in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

Abstract

Unlike other crops, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) deserves special mention as the leaf quality is important for its commercial value and export. The leaf is the end-value product and is affected by a number of abiotic factors (both physical and chemical) during the crop growth and curing in addition to biotic ones leading to the economic losses to farmers. Symptoms of the tobacco leaf affected by abiotic factors sometimes resemble biotic factors, misleading in identification of actual causes for taking remedial measures. The information on abiotic factors on tobacco and their symptoms was established and an expert system was developed for identification and management of abiotic stresses in tobacco. The expert system was developed using Visual Basic.Net as front-end application and Oracle as back-end with user-friendly menus. It enables viewer/farmer to identify his problem with different abiotic stress symptoms displayed and identify problem as well as remedial measures.