Farmers have been warned to expect more pasture and crop pests this summer.
Colin Ferguson an AgResearch scientist says the mild winter and warmer than normal spring have provided perfect survival and breeding conditions for a whole range of pests.
He says porina and black beetles, as well as argentina stem weevils, aphids, white butterflies and diamond backed moths on brassica crops are all likely to be present in larger numbers than normal.
AgResearch has updated its pest website to provide farmers with advice on controlling 50 common pests and weeds.
It also provides a free pest alert email service.
