The free alert service is a handy reference and information package for grain growers, which includes the a main web portal and apps for both iOS and Android smart devices.

GrowNotes offers growers the chance to get on the front foot with regard to diseases, pests and weeds in grain crops, as well as encouraging the submission of user surveillance in-field.

Agriculture Victoria program manager for the GrowNotes Alert project, Kellyanne Harris said the co-invested project between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Agriculture Victoria has grown significantly since its official launch last year.

“We have sent out 25 alerts to date, including our first alert into Western Australia just last week,” Ms Harris said.

“Many users have downloaded the iOS app so that they have immediate access in the field, and having this availability extended to Android users will only encourage more grain growers and agronomists to jump on board with this must-have tool."

GRDC's Tom McCue said GrowNotes Alert not only enables timely and relevant alerts for disease, pest and weed information across Australia but also encourages subscribers to send in surveillance directly

from the field.

“A little bit of crop and incursion information and an accompanying picture can help us to get on top of any potential threats or issues and manage them accordingly," McCue said.

GrowNotes Alert notifications always direct users to available and up-to-date information regarding the identified issue, and the alert is sent at a critical time to ensure immediate action can be taken.

All subscribers are still given a free macro lens, which attaches to smart phones and tablets, and are encouraged to send in submissions regarding crop issues, and also to highlight strong, healthy crops.

Subscribers are also encouraged to follow the regional Twitter handles @GNAlertNorth@GNAlertSouth and @GNAlertWest.