Evaluation of opportunities for dissemination of national Pest and disease information

Abstract

The Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS) has collected data on aphids for 35 years at eleven sites in England and four in Scotland. It is funded by the BBSRC for fundamental research on aphid population dynamics, and by contracts with industry for applied uses.

This report contains the responses of a number of organisations to an oral survey on the use that is currently made of the RIS data and whether it was believed that the data had wider use. Suggestions were also solicited as to other survey data which could be useful in relation to other pest and disease problems.

There was a requirement for the tailored interpretation of the data before it was disseminated.

The information was considered to be most beneficial if it was targeted at advisers rather than growers. However, information about aphids in sugar beet is already made available to, and appreciated by, growers. The information could be structured to provide a general awareness bulletin for growers and a more detailed interpretation for advisers.

The recommendation is for an experienced entomologist/pathologist to collate and interpret the data and prepare information for distribution. A range of delivery options should be used. Fax, email and the world wide web are preferred. This service could (and should) serve as a focus for the collation of a variety of levy board or other available data for growers and advisers. There is a need for such a centre containing impartial information that can be trusted by the industry as a whole. The RIS data could form the basis for this and act as a catalyst to bring a wide range of data and information together.