How to Collect and Submit Samples
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Collect fresh specimens. Send a generous amount of material, if available.
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Ship in crush-proof container immediately after
collecting. Mail packages to arrive on weekdays. Do not
mail late in the week to ensure that packages won’t sit in the
post office over the weekend.
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Incomplete information or poor specimens may result
in an inaccurate diagnosis or inappropriate control recommendations.
Damaged or dead specimens are often unidentifiable and requests for
additional samples can cause delays.
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If possible, provide complete background information
about the specimen. A form to accompany samples is available upon
request from this office or from the Experiment Station website. It is
suggested that this form be completed as thoroughly as possible to
assist with diagnosis.
Mailing Address (US Postal
Service):
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Plant Disease Information Office
P. O. Box 1106
New Haven, CT 06504
Physical Address (for carriers, UPS, FedEx, etc.):
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Plant Disease Information Office
123 Huntington Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Submitting Plant Specimens for Disease/Injury Diagnosis
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Herbaceous Plants: for general decline or
dying of plants, send whole plants showing early symptoms. Dig
the plant carefully to keep the roots and adjacent soil intact.
Send several plants. Wrap the roots in a plastic bag and secure
at the stem so soil does not contaminate the aboveground
portions. Place the entire plant, with wrapped roots, in another
plastic bag. Wrap bagged plants in newspaper and place in a
crush-proof container for shipment. Do not add
water.
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Trees with Symptoms of Wilt: collect several
branches approximately ½ to 1 inch in diameter from portions of
the canopy that are actively wilting or yellowing but not totally
dead. Branches can be cut into pieces for shipping. Wrap in
plastic to retain moisture and send immediately. Do not add
water.
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Leaves, Branches or Fleshy Parts of Woody
Ornamentals: send specimens representing early and moderate
stages of the symptoms you are observing. For twig or branch
cankers, include healthy portions from above and below the diseased
area. Press leaves flat between heavy paper or cardboard and
place in plastic bags. Wrap fleshy parts in dry paper and place
in a plastic bag. Do not add water. Send sample as soon as
possible.
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Turf: sample plugs should be at least 4-6
square inches and include the transition area between the diseased and
healthy portion of grass. The sample should also be cut deep
enough so as to include the root system. Wrap the sample in
newspaper and place it in a plastic bag. The sample should be
sent immediately.
Suggested Sample for Turf |
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Submitting Plant Specimens for Identification
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For plant identification, include a 6-10 inch sample
of the terminal (tip) portion of the stem with side buds, leaves, and
flowers in identifiable condition.
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Place the sample flat between several layers of dry newspaper, paper toweling, or a similar material.
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Pack the wrapped bundle in plastic, preferably with
a piece of cardboard to keep the sample flat. Do not add
water.
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For fruit identification, wrap whole, uncut fruit
specimens in paper, place in a crush-proof box, and pack with
additional paper to prevent damage.
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