{
  "$schema": "https://terraevidence.com/evidence-record.schema.json",
  "recordId": "EP-PUB-001",
  "version": "1.0",
  "status": {
    "code": "reviewed-for-stated-scope",
    "label": "Reviewed for stated scope",
    "meaning": "Checked for the stated wording, sources, methods, context, limits, and review period; not universally proven."
  },
  "topic": "Diagnostic reasoning",
  "title": "Symptoms are clues, not diagnoses.",
  "claim": "Symptoms are clues, not diagnoses.",
  "summary": "A visible plant symptom is a system output. Similar symptoms may arise from insects, pathogens, nutrient conditions, soil properties, moisture, weather, light, chemical injury, cultural practices, or interacting causes.",
  "evidenceSupports": [
    "Start with the whole plant and its setting. Record timing, distribution, recent management, weather, soil and moisture conditions, and differences between affected and unaffected plants. Use patterns and signs to narrow possibilities, then test or seek qualified diagnosis when warranted."
  ],
  "doesNotEstablish": [
    "A single symptom does not automatically identify a nutrient deficiency, disease, pest, toxicity, or failed soil component. A response after treatment also does not by itself prove that the suspected cause was correct."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "sourceId": "EP-PUB-001-S1",
      "sourceType": "institutional-guidance",
      "institution": "Penn State Extension",
      "title": "Diagnosing a Plant Problem 101",
      "url": "https://extension.psu.edu/diagnosing-a-plant-problem-101",
      "relevance": "Explains that plant symptoms can have numerous biotic, abiotic, environmental, cultural, and interacting causes, and recommends verification through Extension or a diagnostic clinic when needed."
    },
    {
      "sourceId": "EP-PUB-001-S2",
      "sourceType": "institutional-guidance",
      "institution": "UC Statewide IPM",
      "title": "Diagnosing the Causes of Unhealthy Plants",
      "url": "https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/floriculture-and-ornamental-nurseries/diagnosing-the-causess-of-unhealthy-plants/",
      "relevance": "Provides a structured approach for examining the plant, site, symptom pattern, timing, signs, and possible combinations of biotic and abiotic factors."
    }
  ],
  "scope": {
    "reviewedPeriod": "2026-08",
    "applicability": ["Research and diagnostic reasoning about visible plant symptoms."],
    "limitations": [
      "Does not diagnose a plant or soil problem.",
      "Does not provide personalized fertilizer, lime, amendment, crop, environmental, pest-control, or safety recommendations."
    ],
    "openQuestion": "How accurately can a simple gardener field record narrow causes without increasing false confidence?"
  },
  "useBoundary": "This reviewed record teaches research and diagnostic reasoning. It does not diagnose a plant or soil problem and does not provide personalized fertilizer, lime, amendment, crop, environmental, pest-control, or safety recommendations. Use laboratory documentation, diagnostic services, Extension resources, qualified professionals, applicable labels, and local regulations when a decision requires them.",
  "humanReadableUrl": "https://terraevidence.com/earth-project-reviewed-foundations#ep-pub-001",
  "machineReadableUrl": "https://terraevidence.com/evidence-records/ep-pub-001.json",
  "revision": { "version": "1.0", "publishedDate": "2026-08-17", "lastReviewedPeriod": "2026-08" }
}