1. Module 1 Field History Preparing for field assessment Determine your survey approach Photo by Scott Bauer Extension agent Wayne Cooley, ARS agronomist Randy Anderson, and farmer Gilbert Lindstrom

2. Field History Ask questions! Get records, if possible Make general observations Learn to detect what might be causing the problem

3. Field History Previous crop Chemical history Planting date Variety and seed lot Tillage methods Soil amendments Weather Movement of soil into field

4. Preparation for Field Assessment Successful diagnosis starts with good preparation Keep some useful tools around, and think about the history (as you know it) and nature of the concern

5. Preparation for Field Assessment Notepad, record- keeping form or hand- held computers Proper clothing, for safety Always observe appropriate re-entry intervals (REI)

6. Preparation for Field Assessment Hand lenses magnify tiny features that may be useful Common magnifications –4X –10X –16X –20X

7. Aphid Magnification English grain aphid

8. Rust magnification example Barley rust photo: Vernyl Pederson

9. Preparation for Field Assessment Other useful tools Trowel Knife Plastic baggies Vial – with alcohol for insects Camera – digital/35 mm Bucket Sweep net

10. Determine Survey Approach Surveying (or scouting) requires consideration of approach or pattern of travel Specific concerns may dictate a certain type of scouting method Regardless of method – the goal is to get a representative sample

11. Determine Survey Approach Scouting routes may be modified by: – topography – soil types – irrigation channeling – field entrances Regardless of the approach, the goal is to get a representative idea of the problems

12. Determine Survey Approach Scouting in a W or Z pattern for pests or problems distributed uniformly over the field Examples: Foliar diseases later in season; European corn borer; Pesticide damage

13. Determine Survey Approach Scouting or sampling in areas where pests or damage may be concentrated Examples: root rots associated with low areas or in patches; cutworms in low, cool areas; white grubs

14. Determine Survey Approach Examples: grasshoppers, chinch bug Pests or damage associated with field borders or waterways

15. Determine Survey Approach Number of sites to visit in the field Sampling or surveying usually is done at 5 sites per 40 to 50 acres