How to submit samples for disease diagnosis

1. Collect living plants that exhibit varying stages of decline. Do not submit dead plants - they will decay before diagnosticians can examine them. Be sure the specimens represent the problem. Include enough plant material to show all stages of the disease from healthy to very sick. For virus tests, be sure to send green, symptomatic leaves.
2. Send several whole plants, roots and all. Dig roots, rather than pull.
3. Include a cropping history and the pattern of symptoms in the field. Some diseases tend to be distributed in a characteristic pattern.
4. Include other information: description of the soil, nearby plants, and a history of the problem. Include photos when possible. Most clinics have an Information Request Form to include with the sample. You can print these out from the clinic website (see Where to Send Your Sample)
5. Wrap specimens in paper towels or clean newspapers. Do not add moisture. Pack loosely in a plastic bag to reduce drying. Keep specimens cool and mail the same day.
6. For mailing, use strong containers like corrugated boxes or mailing tubes that will not crush in transit. Fill empty spaces in mailing cartons with crushed or shredded paper to protect the specimen.
7. Use overnight mail services or mail packages early in the week to avoid weekend layovers at the post office. Careful packaging and quick delivery of the specimens is essential.
8. Most clinics request payment with each sample. Make checks payable to the University where the clinic is located. You can find out the fee by checking the clinic website (see Where to Send Your Sample).

Information on these pages is from the cooperative effort of researchers throughout the North Central states. Information from this site can be copied and distributed for educational use. Please credit the source with our name and URL: NCSRP Plant Health Initiative at www.planthealth.info. Please do not use copyrighted photos without permission.