Pest monitoring
A systematic process of observing crops to detect, identify, and quantify pests, diseases, and weeds for informed plant protection decision-making.
Также говорят: phytosanitary monitoring, crop scouting, pest surveillance, field scouting
Pest monitoring is the cornerstone of integrated pest management (IPM). It enables agronomists to track population dynamics and determine if the infestation levels justify intervention, thereby optimizing costs and environmental impact.
The process involves scouting fields at specific phenological stages of the crop. Regular field assessments ensure that treatments are applied only when necessary, preventing both yield losses and unnecessary chemical exposure.
Common mistakes include inconsistent scouting intervals, focusing only on field edges, and misidentifying species. Proper monitoring requires inspecting various spots within the field, including both the top and underside of leaves, to ensure a representative assessment.