Instructions for collecting, packaging, and submitting plant specimens:

Proper collection, packaging, and shipment of plant specimens are extremely important to successful diagnosis of plant disease problems. Inappropriate specimens, specimens arriving desiccated or in advanced stages of decay, or specimens damaged in shipment are of little or no use in attempting to diagnose plant disease problems. The most rapid and accurate diagnosis results from proper specimen collection and shipment, together with submission of complete background information concerning the problem. It is essential that the diagnostic form be filled out as completely as possible.

The following procedures are suggested to insure that the specimen arrives at the laboratory in the best possible condition:

1. Submit only freshly collected specimens. If possible, send several specimens showing a progression of symptoms. Keep specimens refrigerated until shipment.



2. Where specific plant parts are affected (leaf spots, root rots, stem rots, fruit rots, flower blights, stem cankers), submit the affected part in as many stages of the disease as are showing. If practical, submit the whole plant. Enclose specimen in a plastic bag. Do not add additional moisture.



3. For plants showing wilting, yellowing, stunting or general decline, send the entire plant including the root system. Dig the plant carefully so as to disturb the root system as little as possible. Shake away excess soil. Do not wash soil from the root system. Enclose the root system in a plastic bag and seal it at the base of the plant stem to prevent soil spillage. Then enclose the entire plant in another plastic bag and seal. Do not add additional moisture.



4. For leaf spots, submit leaves showing various stages of infection. If possible, send twigs or branches with leaves still attached. Enclose leaves in a plastic bag. Do not add additional moisture. Package bagged specimen in a cardboard box to prevent crushing during shipment.



5. For lawn and turf disease, submit a 3-to-4 inch diameter plug taken where the healthy and diseased areas meet so the sample will contain both diseased and healthy turf. Take the plug 2 to 3 inches deep and include the adhering soil material. Enclose the plug in a plastic bag. Do not add additional moisture.

Packaging and Mailing

• Package all specimens securely to prevent damage during transit.



• Cardboard boxes usually help prevent crushing. Add packing material such as crumpled newspaper to prevent specimen damage during shipment.



• Shipment by overnight mail or overnight delivery is strongly encouraged.



• For each plant specimen submitted for diagnosis, there is a $30 charge.Make remittance payable to: The Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Place remittance and completed information form in an envelope and attach this envelope to the package containing the specimen. The attached envelope must also have standard letter postage.

Mail to:

Note: All Diagnostic Lab forms are normally available from the county extension agent in each county. Forms are also available by contacting the TPDDL.

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