Landscape and Garden Plants Sample Submission to the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic

Diagnoses are made easier and turnaround time is improved when the quality of plant samples is maintained. This NebGuide discusses the proper guidelines for submitting landscape and garden plants, turf, and tree samples to UNL’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. There are several important things to consider when collecting, packaging, and sending plant or insect samples for diagnosis in a plant diagnostic laboratory. Collect an adequate amount of plant material. When feasible, the sample should include the entire plant — roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Whole plants are needed to properly evaluate the sample. If the whole plant is not available, photos of the symptomatic plants can improve accuracy of diagnosis