Development of an online pan-European Integrated Pest Management Resource Toolbox

Abstract

The IPMWORKS IPM Resource Toolbox (Toolbox) has been developed as an interactive, online repository of integrated pest management (IPM) resources. Populated with high priority resources for farmers and their advisors during the project, its structure enables additional resources added over time. The repository is a public interactive website, available to anyone looking to access, understand, and implement IPM. Built on an open-source content management system, the toolbox is designed to require minimal post-production site maintenance and support, while being easily expanded to integrate resources from future initiatives. To ensure an efficient but comprehensive website design, population, maintenance, a survey of target user needs was conducted. Internal and external IPM stakeholders indicated the relative importance of key requirements such as practical information about diseases and pests’ management and economic thresholds. The resources were explained in different languages, with images, divided by topics, with the possibility to find additional details and accessible by smartphone. Feedbacks and answers from the survey, carried out across Europe in multiple languages, by different stakeholders provided the key elements and foundation for the IPM Resource Toolbox website development and specification.