PestNet

PestNet is an email network that helps people worldwide obtain rapid advice and information on crop protection, including the identification and management of plant pests. It started as a service for the Pacific in 2000, rapidly expanded to South East Asia, set up a separate service for the Caribbean in 2003, and now welcomes anyone interested in crop protection anywhere in the world as long as they have a computer and email. It's free to members.

Many of the email discussions are summarised under four headings: crops; pests; non-pests and unidentified. The database that has been developed can be accessed by clicking on the large button in the middle of the website. There is a search engine to help you find the information you need.

PestNet has members from government and non-government organisations, universities, and the private sector, as well as farmers and students. Any organisation, group or individual can join. All they need is access to email, a question to ask, information to give, or just an interest in plant protection and being part of a worldwide network.

Topics include pest identifications from digital images, pest outbreak alerts, pest management (biological, cultural, and chemical), and quarantine interceptions.

PestNet has been involved in pilot projects establishing plant health clinics in the Pacific and developed fact sheets and more recently a smart phone and tablet application for plant pests and diseases for the Pacific, called Pacific Pests and Pathogens. Factsheets on pests - including many insect pests - of agriculture in the Pacific can be found on this application and also online through PestNet.

www.pestnet.org