How to Submit Crop and Pest Samples

To submit a crop or pest sample to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, follow the steps outlined in the appropriate section below.  Also see the UNL NebGuide, Row Crops Sample Submission to the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, G2226. A Sample Submission form is required for all samples.

Crop Samples

  1. Send several whole plants, roots and all that represent all stages of the symptoms being expressed. Often what appears to be a leaf problem can be a root-related problem.
  2. Include "normal" plants from area near the symptomatic plants for comparison.
  3. Enclose the root ball in a plastic bag to keep the soil from touching the leaves.
  4. Place entire plant sample in a plastic bag to reduce drying.
  5. Complete and include the submission form. Providing the following information will help assure a more accurate diagnosis.
  • Current and previous chemical history (particularly important when looking for potential chemical Injury
  • Planting date
  • Crop growth stage
  • Symptom description
  • Number of affected plants in the area
  • Symptom distribution (low lying areas, field entrance, strips, etc.)
  • Field history

Insect Identification

Soft-bodied specimens (i.e., larvae, aphids, mites and spiders)

  • Place in a tight-sealing bottle with a liquid preservative such as alcohol or vinegar

Hard-bodied specimens (i.e., beetles, bugs, moths, ants and flies)

  • Wrap in loose tissue and place in a crush proof container
Living specimens (whether soft or hard-bodied)
  • Place with the host plant or damaged material along with loose tissue into a ventilated container

Do not:

  • Tape specimens to paper
  • Place loose insects in envelopes
  • Use water of formaldehyde as a preservative

Complete and include the submission form.

Chemical Injury

In addition to the information listed under Crop Samples, include:

Chemical History

  • Current and previous year
  • Rates
  • Application timing (date and plant growth stage)
  • Weather conditions during application (temperature, wind speed, etc.)
  • Possibility of drift from another pesticide application

Plant Identification

  • Include the entire plant, with the root system when possible
  • Try to include more than one plant when possible
  • Try to include flowers and and/or fruit
  • Wrap the root ball in a dry paper towel and place in a plastic bag
  • Place the entire plant in a plastic bag
  • Inclusion of the following information assist in identification •Where is it found (yard, garden, pasture, etc.)
  • Site conditions (share, sun, dry, wet)
  • Annual or perennial plant (if known)
  • Flower and seed color (if submission is after this stage)
  • Bloom time
  • Plant height or habit (creeping, vining, etc.)
  • Number of plants in the area

Submission

Send samples to:

Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic
1875 North 38th Street
448 Plant Science Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0722