It is important to know what to look for and why to look for it before setting out to scout your field.
Farmers should keep an eye on weather conditions, local potential pest problems and problems outside the immediate area.
“Some problems that occur have a lot to do with spring weather and may depend on when seed will be planted,” says Ieuan Evans, plant disease specialist with Alberta Agriculture.
“Nutrient deficiencies go hand in hand with the weather patterns. Throughout the growing season, farmers will want to keep a close watch on emergence, noting whether it’s uniform or sporadic.”
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Knowing what to look for at the various stages of crop development makes it easier to spot problems early and take action.
Crops are usually in the tillering stage from early to mid-June.
It is important to watch for signs of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc and manganese deficiencies.
“Nutrient deficiency symptoms can easily be confused with other common problems, so plants must be examined carefully,” Evans said.
He said deficiencies in essential nutrients usually appear as blanching or yellowing of leaves which, if unchecked, progress into dead leaves and plants.
He said that because plants use nutrients in different ways, specific symptoms can help identify what is needed.
“For example, sulfur deficiency in cereals causes yellowing of young leaves with no stress evident in older leaves. On the other hand, when insufficient quantities of nitrogen are available, older (lower) leaves show the signs of deficiency first.”
Appropriate action
The problem and the crop will determine what should be done to correct nutrient deficiencies.
Secondary nutrient deficiencies identified during field scouting can be arrested, but a decline in yield or quality should be expected.
“Early detection is the key to correcting, or at least mitigating, nutrient deficiencies,” Evans said.
“It takes some effort and consistent scouting to stay on top of the problems that can affect your yield.”
Field scouting information is available from Alberta Agriculture.
Videos, including a diagnostic video, Outstanding in your field, and a procedures video, Field scouting, can be borrowed from Alberta Agriculture offices or from the department’s multi-media library at 7000 – 113 Street, Edmonton, T6H 5T6, or by calling 780-422-3951.
Videos that deal specifically with identifying sclerotinia and blackleg in canola are also available.
