A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

With technology playing such an integral part of our ability to effectively manage crop production, it makes sense that it also plays a key role in effective scouting. One of the simplest technologies (now, anyway) is taking a good picture to share with a trusted advisor, a farmer client, or even via a phone app. If a picture is worth a thousand words, let’s make it a good one.

I often receive images via text or email. One person asking for an identification and management recommendation for an insect, weed, or disease. Another person asking about a possible nutrient deficiency or abiotic issue. A good image can help lead to a fast and accurate diagnosis of the pest or other crop issue. Occasionally, advisors receive poor images that result in further confusion or back-and-forth messages to get a better image. As we start scouting emerged crops, take a look at these reminders (based on a list from the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic) to make sure you capture pictures that truly are worth a thousand words.

1. Use a good camera to take images. Cell phones do a great job of capturing high-quality images, but digital cameras work well, too!
2. Get different perspectives of the issue.
   1. Several pictures are always better than one.
   2. Take pictures of the whole plant, pest, or other issue. It’s important to get the “big picture” of the field or problem.
   3. Take close-up images of any specific features that may be necessary for diagnosis. Patterns, specific symptoms, special traits or structures can all help.
3. Take images in good lighting.
4. Make sure the specimen is in FOCUS. This is one of the biggest issues with close-up images of problems.
   1. Tapping the cell phone screen can adjust the focus automatically.
   2. Push the capture button down halfway to focus most point-and-shoot digital cameras.
   3. Some cameras and cell phones have macro imagery options or attachments to take clear close-up images.
   4. Insects can be tough to capture, but sticking them in a cooler or refrigerator can help get a focused image.
5. Include a standard size reference like a coin, ruler, or tape measure. Even a finger will work in a pinch!
6. Check your images before sending! I often take many images of an issues but always check to make sure they are in focus and accurately depict the issue.

I hope your 2024 growing season is full of great pictures, easy diagnoses, and a lot of walking. Check out these other resources for scouting tips and tricks!

• Crop Scouting Basics
• Early Season Crop Scouting is Key to Season-Long Crop Impacts