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How to Scout and Troubleshoot Problems in Crops
Revised by Jill Pollok, Plant Diagnostician in February 2025 | Written by:听Nancy F. Gregory, Plant Diagnostician and Jen Rushton, Intern
Get prepared
- Gather tools that will help you acquire a sample
- Cutters, small shovel, hand lens, plastic bags, marker, etc.
- Go to the field with an open mind and investigate all possibilities!
- Look at the big picture first, then the details
听
Know the crop you are working with
- What does the crop normally look like
- Is it appropriate for this stage in the planting
- How does your crop compare
听
Recall important dates/events
- Planting date
- Any chemical applications
- Weather conditions
- Throughout the planting
- During critical events
- When problem appeared
- Gradual or sudden
- Soil history
- Previous crop
听
Assess the site for symptoms
- Single plant/entire planting
- Only certain varieties
- Wet/dry area
- Sun/shade
- Scattered
- Pattern
- Specific row(s)/edge of field/circular spots
听
Determine where problem is found on the plant(s)
- Old growth/new growth
- Bottom/top of plant
- Whole plant/one side
- Scattered
听
Identify parts of the plant that are affected
Use a hand lens to closely inspect for insects or spores (underside of leaves)
- Leaves
- Branches/twigs
- Stem/stalk/trunk
- Flowers/fruits/seeds
- Seedlings
- Roots
- Whole plant
听
Observe Symptoms
- Wilting
- Yellowing/browning
- Distortion/curling
- Leaf spots
- Stunting
听
Take a Sample
- Include moderate symptoms or margin between healthy and affected
- Fill out:听Diagnostic form
- Submit to County Cooperative Extension Office
Authors:
Nancy F. Gregory, Plant Diagnostician
Jen Rushton, Intern
Date: 8/16/2018
Revision Date: February 2025
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