Machine Learning-Based Decision Support System for Greenhouse Crop Management Under Mite Infestation Conditions

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated machine learning-based Decision Support System (DSS) for greenhouse crop management under mite infestation conditions, specifically designed for Sri Lankan agricultural contexts. The research addresses critical challenges faced by greenhouse farmers regarding pest management and crop productivity optimization through a comprehensive system combining NetLogo simulation for synthetic data generation, ensemble machine learning models, and a web-based interface. Field research with Sri Lankan greenhouse farmers revealed that mite infestations cause up to 40% crop losses, driving panic-induced pesticide overuse and knowledge gaps in pest management timing. The system integrates environmental monitoring, pest prediction, and crop yield forecasting to provide actionable recommendations for farmers. The mite infestation prediction model achieved 86% accuracy, while the system successfully addresses data scarcity challenges through agent-based modeling. The DSS demonstrates potential for transforming reactive farming practices into predictive, data-driven approaches while accommodating the technological constraints of developing agricultural contexts.