A NEW app for smartphones and tablets is to replace the Pulse Agronomy Guide.

According to Roger Vickers, its publishers PGRO's chief executive, it will provide up to date technical backup as well as the RL variety guides and a new interactive pest and disease reporting tool via smartphone or tablet.

An innovative feature will be the ability to generate users' crop reports, using uploaded images and a short report. This will automatically be sent to the PGRO Plant Clinic where a request for advice can be lodged. Anonymised, this will appear marked on a map of the UK on the PGRO web site enabling others to be aware of crop developments around the country.

• By using the app, users will be able to access RL variety information for combining peas and field beans and the DL data for vining peas – all adapted for viewing on a small screen.

• A 'Pests, diseases and deficiencies' section shows images of common issues arising in the field together with a written description to aid identification, notes on potential impact, and control strategies. ?• A useful growth stage guide is included, together with commonly requested tools for seed rates and weight loss in drying calculations.

• Brief notes and guidance to sources of information for other pulses and legumes are also provided – and will be expanded in the future.

• Another advantage is that the APP can be updated at any time enabling real-time notifications of updates and changes. This is particularly valuable for services such as the 'Pea moth alert'.