AgPest (www.agpest.co.nz) is a website that was conceived and designed by AgResearch weed scientists and entomologists in collaboration with farmers and farm consultants. The website provides a decision support system, with relevant, up-to-date and independent information for endusers on the identification and control of pasture weeds and pests in New Zealand. There are currently 101 pages on AgPest, comprising 33 pest and 68 weed pages, with information on the biology, control and management for each weed and pest, and pictures that assist in their identification. A tool, based on descriptions of plant characteristics, insect pest characteristics and insect pest damage, enables the weeds and insect pests on AgPest to be identified. Additionally, afree subscription service disseminates region-specific email and text alerts on weed and pest threats that reduce the need for 'fire-fighting' decisions and enable pre-emptive action to minimise weed and pest damage. In this paper we summarise why and how AgPest was developed, highlight issues encountered when developing AgPest, and outline plans for its future.
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