Abstract

The possibility of using expert systems in designing experiments in forestry was explored by organizing the concerned knowledge base and incorporating the same into an expert system shell. Designs commonly used in forestry experiments in different contexts were first identified and the circumstances under which these designs are suggestible were worked out. Together with the algorithms for constructing the designs formed the knowledge base for the expert system. The knowledge base incorporated into the expert system shell GENEX formed the product designated as DESIGNEX. The software DESIGNEX runs under DOS environment. Minimum memory of 640 KB is required for running the software. The system can identify appropriate experimental design based on the user-given information about the experimental context. The programme also generates field layout plans of the designs for the user. The product will be useful to researchers in forestry and allied fields in designing their