1. Several representative plant portions should be selected. A range of symptoms should be evident, if possible. Items should be placed in a plastic bag

2. If a canker exists, the branch should be cut several inches beyond each end of affected area, including some live wood. Samples should be placed in a plastic bag when collected.

3. Tree or vegetable fruits or potato tubers should be wrapped in newspaper and packed in a box to prevent crushing. Rotting tree or vegetable fruits or potato tubers should not be placed in plastic bags.

4. If plant or tree has low vigor or die-back symptoms in addition to localized rot or other problems, a quart of soil and a generous root sample should be mixed together in a plastic bag.

Return to Sample preparation