Taking and Sending Samples
Suspected Nematode Damage
For soil samples, use a narrow trowel or soil corer to collect one litre of soil from the root zone of affected plants. For suspected root nematodes, collect affected roots and one litre of surrounding soil.
For suspected stem, bulb or leaf nematodes, collect affected parts, wrap in moist paper, and place in plastic bag. Send whole plants where appropriate. Attach diagnostic order form .
Suspected Disease
Include the parts of the plant (or entire plant) showing symptoms. For leaf or foliage samples, place in an unsealed plastic bag with dampened paper. For root samples send as much of the root ball/soil as possible (up to 1 kg) with up to 10 cm of attached stem. Enclose in plastic bag and tie at base of stem. Also include some foliage. Attach diagnostic order form .
Suspect Insect Damage
- Include all parts of the plant with signs of the insect or symptoms of damage (entire plant preferable) in an unsealed plastic bag.
- If insects are present, place in small unbreakable, screw top containers, e.g. empty pill bottles, along with parts of the affected plant. If there are several types of insect present, please place each type in a separate container.
- If sample can not be sent immediately, refrigerate until able to be packed and sent. Do not freeze.
- Place sample in a suitable box or container.
- For suspected disease samples, leave sample bag unsealed. Seal soil in bags using twist ties or rubber bands. Please do not tie a knot in bag.
- Clearly label the sample bag with a permanent marker. If you have more than one sample for analysis, please use separate labelled bags.
- Do not put the diagnostic order form in with the plants or soil. Place completed form in outer courier bag.
- Send courier bag to laboratory as soon as possible after collection to maintain sample condition. Courier is preferable to post.
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