SAMPLING

Try to collect samples that are representative of the range of symptoms and stages of disease observed in the field.

Include tissue from different parts of the plant(s) affected.

Note any information that may be pertinent to diagnosis such as a description of the symptoms, growth conditions, pesticide use, insect vectors that may be present, or anything else you think might be important.

Do not mix different samples in the same submission bag; bag individually and label clearly with indelible marker.

Include a packing/sample list if several samples are submitted together.

Samples must be submitted fresh; collect samples shortly before shipping and refrigerate after collection until ready to ship.

PACKING

Keep tissue samples dry by including paper towel and using ventilated bags (e.g. vegetable ziplock bags or perforated bags).

Please do not ship moist samples in airtight bags; samples that have decayed in transit cannot be used for testing.

Include a Sample Submission Form or the equivalent that includes sample identification, collection date, the name and initial of the person who collected the sample, tests required and any pertinent information regarding the sample.

If several samples are submitted together, please label individual bags clearly and include a packing/sample list.

SHIPPING

Package and ship samples carefully to avoid deterioration in transit, making sure to limit the amount of moisture the sample is exposed to.

Protect against crushing, freezing or overheating by insulating the package with cardboard or newspaper.

Preferably use an overnight or 1-2 day delivery service to maintain sample integrity, especially when shipping perishable samples that may be destroyed in transit by exposure to prolonged shipping time and extreme hot or cold temperatures.

Ship early in the week to avoid having your sample sit over weekends or holidays at the carrier facility and call or email ahead to let us know your sample(s) will be arriving to minimize any processing delays.