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Diagnosing plant problems

Questions to ask in diagnosing problems

  1. Does a real problem exist with the plant?
  2. What is the population of the plants?
  3. How many of the plants are affected?
  4. What is the pattern of damage in the population? Do the cultural conditions of the affected plants differ from those of the unaffected plants?
  5. What part (or parts) of the plant is (are) affected?
  6. What is the pattern of damage within the plant?
  7. What is the pattern of damage on the plant part?
  8. When did the symptoms appear?
  9. Are the symptoms spreading, improving or constant?
  10. Are there any signs of a pest present?

Resources

OSU Extension

Plant Identification

Plant Diseases

Insect Pests

General pest or IPM

Plant Problem Diagnosis

Pesticide information

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