In noting practices, it is often more important when and how something was done, rather then what was done (e.g., weed control at the wrong time may leave the field clean, but the crop yield potential damaged).

“Does field look uniform and healthy?” If yes, then everything is probably OK. If no, then determine if the whole field is affected or just parts of the field, then estimate the size of the area affected.

In the problem areas:

• Is there any variation across the field in terms of color, height, plant damage or groundcover?

• Is there a pattern across the field to the damage? If so, then check typical problem patterns and probable cause for possible causes.

• Are pests apparent? Insects, weeds, rats, birds, crabs, snails, other?

• Is field moisture adequate?

• Is field uniformly level?

• Note the types of symptoms and cross check against pests and their typical effects.

• Note where the symptoms occur on the plant and identify and diagnose possible and probable causes using plant symptoms or crop symptoms.

• Note the growth stage and cross check with growth stages and important management factors.