This document discusses tools and methods for conducting surveys of maize lethal necrosis (MLN). Standardized paper and electronic survey forms have been developed to collect data on MLN occurrence and spread in farmer fields and commercial seed. The surveys aim to understand MLN distribution, monitor changes over time, and inform breeding programs. GPS is used to geo-reference survey locations and sample collection sites. Electronic surveys on smartphones and tablets offer advantages like automatic data transfer and integration of GPS, photos, and barcode scanning compared to traditional paper forms requiring manual data entry. The standardized surveys are meant to facilitate collection of representative and comparable MLN data across countries and years.

1. MLN Surveys – Forms and Tools
Dr. Suresh, L.M.
CIMMYT – Sub Saharan Africa
Dave Hodson
CIMMYT-Ethiopia
d.hodson@cigar.org
MLN workshop, CIMMYT Kenya, Kitale 8-9th April, 2017

2. Why do we need field surveys?
• Understand what is happening in farmer fields
• Which diseases are present
• When and where diseases are occurring + spread
over time
• Collect samples to understand pathogen changes –
inform breeding programs
• Monitor changes over time
• Detect hot-spots of disease occurrence
• Basis for informing control and mitigation

3. Undertaking MLN Surveys
• Standardized survey protocols and tools developed
– please use them!
• Try to get representative coverage of the main crop
areas (use standard routes / cover similar areas in
different years)
• Collect representative samples as part of the survey
• Record accurate data, process samples and data
immediately after completing the survey

4. Enabling Tools & Technologies:
survey + sampling
Traditional New Options
• Smartphone / tablets (GPS, Camera, Electronic Form, Barcode scanner)
•Automatic data transfer
Standardized geo-referenced field surveys across countries
Field to database now possible in near real-time
• GPS + Paper forms
• Manual data entry

5. Paper Forms + GPS 1
• Standardized Forms (draft)
• 1. FIELD Survey
• Used in farmer fields / seed
production fields / maize
trials + LEAF samples
• Key components:
• FIELD Survey
– Geo-referenced (GPS)
– Basic site data
– MLN + other diseases
– Insects
– LEAF Samples
– AgriStrip results
– Basic Farm information

6. Paper Forms + GPS 2
• 2. SEED Survey
• Used at Agro-dealers + commercial seed
samples
• Key components:
• SEED Survey
– Geo-referenced (GPS)
– Basic Agro-dealer data
– Commercial seed sample data

7. Survey Data Entry
• If using Paper forms:
– Use the standard .XLS templates for MLN FIELD & MLN SEED Surveys
– Return data to national focal point (check and forward to CIMMYT [for Dbase entry])
• If using Electronic Surveys – Data entry is automatic!
– Data secured. ONLY returned to country national focal point / submitter (xls + map until
full data management system operational)

8. GPS Basics
ACCURACY
•Basic Units – Location. Typically +/- 5-10 m
•(elevation worse – +/- 3-4%?)
NOTE: Units work 24 hours a day, anywhere in
the world and in all weather. BUT, must have a
clear view of sky – so not indoors, in dense
forest, or next to buildings etc
No cost to receive satellite signals

9. Using GPS – 1,2,3
• 1. Switch On
Power Key

10. 2. Receive satellite signals (4 satellites) “Ready
to Navigate”

11. 3. Record Location “Mark a Waypoint”
Key Information:
Latitude (in decimal degrees)
Longitude (in decimal degrees)
Elevation (meters)

12. New Tools – Electronic Surveys
• Android: Smartphone or Tablet
• FIELD + SEED Survey developed (replicate
paper forms
• Advantages:
– Electronic data form (+quality control)
– Integrated GPS
– Camera (geo-ref photos)
– Barcode scanner
– Automatic transfer of data to core database
• Disadvantages:
– Lack of familiarity
– Small screen size (phones)
– Connectivity for data transmission
– (Field visibility + GPS connections)
BIG ADVANTAGES FOR MLN SURVEYS!

13. Tablet Survey Examples
• Main ODK menu

14. MLN FIELD Survey Page 1
Text Entry
Pick List (names of countries)
Date / Calendar
Text Entry
GPS Location button

15. MLN FIELD Survey – QR Code Scanning
• ScSc
D4QjulZ92. Opens Camera
3. Scan QR code
4. Auto-fill QR code in survey form
1. Get Barcode button

16. Conclusion
• Standardized draft MLN survey forms developed – FIELD & SEED
Surveys
• Available in paper + electronic format (Android tablets / smartphones)
• Geo-referencing a key component of both formats (essential for data
management and value addition / modelling work)
• Use of electronic forms offer big advantages for MLN (e.g., automatic
QR code scanning for lots of samples)