Guidelines for Appropriate Sample Quality and Quantity

Samples that are still alive (green), can provide the best samples for accurate plant disease diagnosis. Samples that are totally necrotic, dry, and long dead are not proper for receiving an accurate report. The best samples arriving at the SWFREC represent stages of disease development. Samples should be packaged and shipped such that the plant symptoms remain relatively unchanged when they arrive at the SWFREC. Samples should be accompanied by a completed Diagnostic Clinic Form, which is separate for the plant tissue and soil.

General Sample Submission Guidelines

1. Submit generous amounts of plant material representing a range of symptoms.

2. Keep samples refrigerated after collection until they are submitted (except if a Phytophthora disease such as late blight on potato is suspected)

3. All samples MUST be accompanied with a completed Diagnostic Clinic Form or equivalent information.

4. Remember to note any recent pesticide history from the last 30 days on the DCF (Diagnostic Clinic Form) accompanying the sample.

5. Please note which particular disease symptoms are of greatest concern in case multiple problems are present.

Further information on this topic can be found at the Plant Protection Pointers web site.

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