Plant Disease and Insect Clinic

Submitting samples: Options

1) Fill out electronic form & send copy with sample

• All samples except turf can be entered electronically into database. This saves clinician time and results in a faster diagnosis. Be sure to include Required Sample Information. Print 'Sample Results' page to send with sample.
• First time database user instructions
  • NC Co-operative Extension Service and NCSU Campus users can log in using a Unity ID. Database instructions
  • Guest users should create an account by selecting "Guest Login" from the drop down menu on the Unity login page. Follow the instructions on the next screen. Guest Database instructions

2) Print out form, fill in & send with sample (general and turf samples)

• General Clinic Form
• Turf Clinic Form
• Be sure to include 'Required Sample Information.'

Get free Adobe Acrobat Reader to download pdf files on this page.

3) Digital image samples (Follow instructions under option 1).

• Digital image samples are currently free of charge.
• Physical samples sent as follow-ups are billed at the normal rates.
• Be sure to fill in all the required information.
  • We can't give you a good diagnosis or ID if you don't give us good information.
• Digital images must be in JPG format.

Required Information (samples with incomplete information will not be processed)

• Fill out the form giving all the information requested.
• Be sure to CHECK OFF the SYMPTOMS, DISTRIBUTION and PARTS AFFECTED
  and complete the LOCATION section.
• Complete ALL sections of the front of the form if you are submitting an insect for identification.
• Enclose the form and check in a plastic bag to protect them from moisture and dirt.
• Send early in the week to avoid having the specimen sitting in the campus mail room over a weekend.
• Send specimens as soon as possible after collecting. Refrigerate any specimens that cannot be shipped immediately.
• Do not allow specimens to dry out or get too hot.

CLINIC Sample Fee Schedule

Make check payable to NCSU and include with the sample. Pleae put "PDIC fee" on the memo line.

TURF SAMPLES:

See Turfgrass Diagnostics Page

ALL OTHER SAMPLES:

• $10: In-state samples submitted by Coopertive Extension Service, NCSU, and Departments of North Carolina State Government. The fee is waived if entered online by an NCCE County Agent or NCDA Regional Agronomist. The waiver does not apply to turf samples.
• $20 All other in-state samples
• $75: All out-of-state samples

Multiple sub-samples of one crop (up to a maximum of 5) will be treated as one sample.

NOTE: WEED Identification Samples and samples where sudden oak death (SOD or Ramorum blight) are suspected should not be sent to the clinic. For your convenience, links are provided below for more information, forms, and addresses for those kinds of samples. There is no charge for SOD and Weed ID samples.

• Crop and turf weed identification and control recommendations form
• Plant Identification eCenter
  • Aquatic weed identification and Plant identification
• Sudden Oak Death information

How to ship samples

DIG UP (do not pull) several COMPLETE plants leaving ROOTS AND SOIL INTACT.

Enclose the roots and soil (approximately one quart) in a plastic bag and secure the bag.

Place the entire plant in another plastic bag and secure.

It is IMPORTANT to keep soil off the foliage.

Get specific instructions and special form for TURF.

Collect a generous double handful of feeder roots and one quart of soil from representative plants that have moderate symptoms. DO NOT send plants which have been dead for months.

Place ROOTS and SOIL TOGETHER in a plastic bag and close securely.

Place several branches which are showing decline in a SEPARATE PLASTIC BAG and secure.

For smaller plants, submit an entire plant. Cover the roots and soil with a plastic bag. Place the entire plant in another plastic bag and secure.

Be sure there is no water on the foliage surfaces -- this causes deterioration during shipping.

Canker, Dieback or Swellings on Trees or Shrubs -- Cut the branch several inches beyond each end of affected area, including some live wood. Place specimen in a plastic bag and secure the bag.

Illustrated Guidelines for Sample Packaging and Shipping (Versión en español)

Leave plants in pots whenever possible. Plant foliage should be dry and planting medium should be slightly moist but not soggy.

Enclose the pot in a plastic bag and secure the bag at the main stem of the plant.

Wrap foliage in newspaper and pull bag up around paper and tie it off.

It is IMPORTANT to keep soil off the foliage.

Bedding plants can be left in their containers but pack newspaper or other padding around them before wrapping in newspaper.

IMPORTANT: OUT OF STATE SAMPLES MUST BE DOUBLE BAGGED AND SEALED. SAMPLES THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY PACKAGED WILL BE DESTROYED UPON RECEIPT.

Do not place produce in plastic bags!!!

Collect several specimens.

Wrap each in several layers of newspaper.

Package in a box to prevent crushing.

Pear Bait test for Phytophthora in irrigation water
See special instructions for this test

Insects

Most insects - Roaches, Termites, Bugs, Beetles, Flies, Wasps, Ants, Maggots, Spiders, etc. should be sent in 70% alcohol.

Mites, Scales, Aphids and Thrips -- Send in alive on some of the affected foliage/stems, collected as you would a plant specimen. Place in a plastic bag when collected.

Butterflies and Moths -- Send in killed (ethyl acetate is good), packaged lightly in tissue paper in a crush-proof box.

Caterpillars -- Send in alive on some of the host plant in a plastic bag.

Grubs -- Send in alive in a pint or two of soil enclosed in a plastic bag.

When in doubt, put specimens in 70% alcohol.

IMPORTANT: WE DO NOT ACCEPT LIVE SPECIMENS FROM OUT OF STATE!

Collect at least several specimens if possible.

INADEQUATE SAMPLES CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED!!!

Plant Disease and Insect Clinic home page

Last update on 29-Oct-2009 by B. B. Shew