How to Submit a Sample

Plant Samples

Be sure the sample is fresh. Cutting the plant right before bringing it in is ideal. If you can not bring it in on a Tuesday or Thursday during Hotline hours, drop it off on Monday or Wednesday along with your name and phone number, and we will contact you during our next Hotline hours. If you drop it off on Friday, it will sit for 4 days before we can look at it.

Seal the sample in a plastic bag. If possible, bring the diseased portion, along with some adjacent healthy plant tissue. If you have a photo of the entire plant, include it as well. 

The more information we have about the plant, the easier it will be for us to determine the problem. Please include any information you have about the plant, including the plant’s name, age, and location in your yard or garden. Other information that would be helpful:  How much sun does it get? Is it in a windy location? How moist is the soil? When did you first notice the problem? How long has the plant been diseased? List anything you have tried to control the problem.

For Insects

For insects, secure them in a small jar or a plastic bag, being careful not to crush or change the insect’s appearance. A smashed insect may bear little resemblance to an actual live one. Include information, such as where the insect was found. Was is it a single insect, or is there an infestation? Was the insect found inside or outside? If it was found outside, was it found on a specific plant or in a specific area? What kind of damage did it cause? Because not all insects are a problem, it is important to identify them correctly since many are beneficial and should be left to flourish.