ACE - ALFALFA CULTIVAR EXPERT

With the rapid proliferation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars, forage specialists have found it increasingly difficult to match desired criteria with specific cultivars using standard publications. An expert system called ACE (Alfalfa Cultivar Expert) was developed to provide a rapid, simple way for occasional computer users to select alfalfa cultivars that meet their desired criteria. A database of cultivar characteristics for about 450 cultivars was created by compiling data from seed company representatives, forage specialists, and county agents. The expert system component of ACE uses this database to provide advice on alfalfa cultivar selection. The user may select alfalfa cultivars that meet user-defined criteria including brand, year of release, winter hardiness, and pest (disease, insect, and nematode) resistance. The resulting list of cultivars is ranked according to how well each cultivar fits the desired criteria. Cultivar information may be easily added, deleted, or modified by the user. ACE contains a hypertext information system on relevant topics such as use of certified seed, cultural practices, winter hardiness, diseases, insects, and nematodes. Digitized color photographs of selected pests are also included. With the increased availability and use of computers in agriculture, ACE provides a convenient tool to augment the judgement and decision-making process of individuals interested in skillful cultivar selection.