The Prairie Crop Development Network (PCDMN) is developing a series of recommended protocols for the practical surveillance of field crop diseases.
During June and July, crop scouting for various Prairie field crop diseases is critical for assessing risk and gauging the need for and timing of an in-crop fungicide application. However, late season crop scouting is also important as it can be used to assess the prevalence, severity and impact of these disease issues. Where unsprayed check strips or areas have been left in the field late season assessments can be used to assess the impact and benefit of spraying in relation to leaf spot management and crop productivity.
Recommended protocols for cereal leaf spot assessment are now available at the PCDMN Blog using the following link: Cereal Leaf Spot Assessment Protocols
Another critical aspect of in-field surveillance activities is the need to use caution to avoid inadvertently spreading crop pests into or from the fields being surveyed. See the Biosecurity Protocols section for key information outline protocols and standards for limiting the risk of crop pest spread while conducting plant disease surveillance activities.