EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission A Consortium of Regional Networks Sample Submission: Quality and Security Last Updated 02/05

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Quality The accuracy of a disease diagnosis or insect ID can only be as good as the sample and information provided. Sample must be representative of symptoms and severity in the field and must contain the right material. Samples must be fresh and in good condition. Rapid delivery is critical.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission Forms and Information If available, include standard form for the state diagnostic lab. Or furnish all relevant information, including: your contact information location, name of grower/owner extent of damage, incidence and severity data Site conditions and history of sample Digital photos showing extent of infestation, close ups of individual plants, etc. are very helpful.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission Forms and Information Place the properly prepared sample with sample information in a sturdy box, then seal the box well. More information means faster, better diagnosis

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Collection: Diseases Alfalfa: Phymatotrichum root rot- patches Pepper: Phytophthora stem rot occurs along the row Chemical injury? Nematodes? Root diseases? Field patterns may point to or eliminate possible causes

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Collection: Diseases Incidence Percent of the crop affected Severity Measure of how much an individual plant is affected

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Foliage diseases Check for injuries, disease on the main stem/trunk Submit entire plant or several plants, if practical, showing a range of symptoms Diseases may show up on any part of the plant. Sample Collection: Diseases Samples must contain the right material Keep most roots and soil intact if possible

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Collection: Diseases Dead Plants Tell No Tales Avoid dead plants Choose plants which show a range of symptoms: moderate to severe

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Diseases Packaging & Shipping Strong crush-proof box All seams taped Keep soil on roots Plastic bag on roots, closed around stem Do not add extra water Wrap in dry paper then bag in plastic Double bag specimens containing suspected select or exotic pathogens and disinfest exterior of bags

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Diseases Packaging Mistakes Good Intentions, but...

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Diseases Packaging Mistakes Actual Results

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Diseases Packaging Mistakes Soil on foliage during shipping creates “diseases” that were not there when the sample was collected.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Diseases Packaging Mistakes Don’t add water or wrap in wet paper towels Sample “soup”

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Diseases Good Packaging Dry paper to protect leaves from contact with plastic bag Plastic bag to keep soil on roots

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Insects Feeding Damage Piercing/Sucking Boring Leafmining Skeletonizing

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Insects Packaging Poor Packaging = Body Parts! Properly Packaged Mailing Tubes with Padding Protect Samples!

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Insects Most insects can be preserved in a vial with 70% isopropyl alcohol

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Insects Digital photos of the damage and of the insect assist with identification.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Insects DO: Be specific on collection information! Location on host plant? Roots, Stems, Flowers, Buds, Leaves, etc. Where was the insect found? Field Crops, Greenhouse, Residence, Landscape Who collected the sample? His/Her contact info. Degree of infestation

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Insect DO: Collect multiple samples of all life stages, if possible. Collect intact specimens (not just body parts) Collect portion of the infested plant and briefly describe the damage and the extent of damage exhibited. Submit quality digital photos of damage if possible

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Insect DO: Preserve and ship appropriately for the type specimen Include complete and accurate collection data For suspected exotics, notify the specialists and ship in next day delivery Double bag specimens containing suspected exotic species.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Insects Don’t Crush specimens in tissue or plastic wrap, or tape them to paper Overcrowd them (dead or alive) Send them without complete and accurate information

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Weeds Collect intact specimens. Preserve and package sample properly. Send suspected exotics in overnight mail.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Include stems, roots if possible, whole leaves attached to the stem, and any flowers, fruits, or seeds. Include all plant parts Sample Submission: Weeds

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Weeds Example: Ligule differences Collect multiple specimens Collect multiple samples of all plant parts, if possible. Not all plants may be at the same stage of growth or reproduction.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Sample Submission: Weeds Packaging Place sample between sheets of newsprint or paper towels and press between cardboard. Place sample in a plastic bag, making sure that any seeds, etc, will not fall out during shipment. Label outside of bag if suspect plant is a skin irritant such as poison ivy, etc. Double bag suspected exotics.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Submitting the Sample Submit the suspect pest sample to the state diagnostic lab as soon after collection as possible. Send early in the week or by overnight express if necessary. For suspected exotic pests or select agents, call ahead and give expected time that delivery will arrive. Avoid alarming behavior and respect confidentiality

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Credits PHOTOS Eileen Buss, Lyle Buss: UF Mark Garland, Division of Plant Industry, Mark Garland (FDACS-DPI) Ray Carruthers, Scott Bauer (USDA-ARS) Tom Creswell, David Stephan, NCSU Dr. Case Medlin Glenn Nice CONTENT Tom Creswell: North Carolina State Univ. Carla Thomas: Univ. of California Richard Cullen, Lyle Buss, Amanda Hodges, Carrie Harmon: Univ. of Florida

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Ray Hammerschmidt NCPDN Regional Director Michigan State University

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission Disclaimer The material provided is intended to be used for National Plant Diagnostic Network presentations. Photos are considered the property of individual photographers and/or organizations. The material is designed to be strictly used for educational, non-profit purposes only. Any other use is strictly prohibited.

EAB 1st Detectors Sample Submission