Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

Research Compendium 1993 - 1994

Research Project

RESTRUCTURE OF THE PESKEM DATABASE INTO A STAND-ALONE, PC-BASED, PESTICIDE SYSTEM

Objectives

• To create a PC-based database on agricultural chemicals from the existing mainframe database.
• To develop a database which is both user friendly and easy-to-use using feedback from potential users of such a system.
• To market the database information as soon as possible.

Research

A survey of 200 of the current PESKEM clients was conducted to determine the need for an up-to-date and user-friendly database containing information on registered agrochemicals in Australia. The feedback from more than 150 potential clients on the content of the database was used in the structure of the PC-based database. Techniques for data processing and retrieval to minimise client time costs were investigated.

Outcome

A stand-alone easy-to-use pesticide information database available to the community with updates available every three months was developed.

As well as being a Pesticide Product and Use Register with over 1700 products and 100,000 use entries, the new restructured database now contains Dangerous Goods Codes and Hazchems and Packaging Groups. It also includes the Product Critical Comments and expanded Use Critical Comments and registration for aerial application. The product prices for all pack sizes can be entered into the database by the client. This additional information considerably enhances the user's ability to make appropriately informed and productive choices.

This PESKEM PC-based system is the only such service available to all sectors of the agricultural community and is the only comprehensive national pesticide registration information system. The NRA had originally hoped to have a system up and running by 30 June 1992 to service the needs of government departments. This system will not be available before 30 June 1995.

Implications

The results of this project are servicing industry and the community needs for access to pesticide registration and related information. The PESKEM PC for Windows database is an addition to the already established information source of published hard copy books and customised information printouts. It is proposed that the results will be transferred directly from the research organisation, the Centre for Pesticide Application and Safety, to the paying customer. This will keep costs and time delays in the supply of the product to a minimum and assure the customer receives the current PC discs.

The PESKEM PC based database on agricultural chemicals developed by the project is now available to all sectors of the community including agricultural chemical companies, agricultural consultants, educational institutions and public interest groups. The new PC version of PESKEM developed during this project has benefits that could flow outside the agricultural sector to areas such as health, the environment, education and to the community in general.

RIRDC Project No: UQ-26A

RESEARCHERS: John Harden and Keith Hamilton

ORGANISATION: The University of Queensland

Gatton College

PHONE: 074 60 1291

Last updated: 10 October 1996
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http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/compendium/93-94/index-b.html