Field scouting records are an essential tool for making current and future management decisions. Using a field scouting form or smartphone/tablet application will help standardize the recording of field observations. Once recorded, add the scouting data to the field record files (paper, electronic or both). Computer software is also available to record and manipulate data from field observations.
Recorded information during scouting events includes:
Whole Field Standard Data
- field name/code, physical location, GPS coordinates and scouting date
- hybrid/variety planted, including traits (e.g., Bt, RR)
- weather conditions
Site Specific Data Collected at Each Sampling Location Within the Field
- soil conditions
- flowering, tasselling, heading dates
- weeds, insects and diseases present (identify growth stages and populations of each weed/pest species separately)
- crop damage
- results of scouting procedures performed, along with actions required
Sample Handling and Submission
It can be difficult to identify a pest or field problem. Seek diagnosis and assistance from other resources, including smartphones/tablets linked to internet tools, experts and/or diagnostic laboratories. The cameras on smartphones/tablets are important tools for the collection of data on unknown pests or conditions. Although cameras are a great tool, take pictures carefully and include additional information with any pictures sent for identification. Always take pictures (or samples) of both the affected and normal condition. Most smartphone/tablet platforms have apps available to enhance picture-taking and associated data recording. When taking samples from the field, following proper sample handling procedures is critical to ensuring accurate diagnosis and/or analysis. In general, samples should be collected and submitted quickly. Samples should be taken using proper equipment (e.g., clean plastic buckets for soil samples or paper bags for plant tissue samples) and should be kept cool to ensure accurate results.