Appendices: Appendix I. Diagnostic Services

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Pub 811: Agronomy Guide > Appendices > Appendix I. Diagnostic Services

Order OMAFRA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops

Samples for disease diagnosis, insect or weed identification, nematode counts and verticillium testing can be sent to:

Pest Diagnostic Clinic
Laboratory Services Division
University of Guelph
95 Stone Rd. W.
Guelph, ON N1H 8J7
Tel: 519-767-6256
Fax: 519-767-6240

E-mail: pdc@lsd.uoguelph.ca

Payment must accompany samples at the time of submission. Submission forms are available at http://www.labservices.uoguelph.ca/units/pdc/.

Fee Schedule
How to Sample for Nematodes
Sample Handling
Submitting Plant for Disease Diagnosis or Identification
Submitting Insect Speciments for Identification
Sample Submission Form

Fee Schedule

To obtain information on the fee schedule, refer to

http://www.labservices.uoguelph.ca/units/pdc/or phone the Pest Diagnostic Clinic.How to

Sample for Nematodes

Soil

When to sample

Soil and root samples can be taken at any time of the year that the soil is not frozen. In Ontario, nematode soil population levels are generally at their highest in May and June and again in September and October.

How to sample soil

Use a soil sampling tube, trowel or narrow-bladed shovel to take samples. Sample soil to a depth of 20-25 cm (8-10 in.). If the soil is bare, remove the top 2 cm (1 in.) prior to sampling. A sample should consist of 10 or more subsamples combined. Mix well. Then take a sample of 0.5-1 L (1 pint-1 quart) from this. No one sample should represent more than 2.5 ha (6.25 acre). Mix subsamples in a clean pail or plastic bag.

Sampling pattern

If living crop plants are present in the sample area, take samples within the row and from the area of the feeder root zone (with trees, this is the drip line).

Number of subsamples

Based on the total area sampled:

500 m2 (5,400 ft2) 10 subsamples
500 m2-0.5 ha (5,400 ft2-1.25 acre) 25 subsamples
0.5 ha-2.5 ha (1.25-6.25 acre) 50 subsamples

Roots

From small plants, sample the entire root system plus adhering soil. For large plants, 10-20 g (1?2-1 oz.), dig fresh weight from the feeder root zone and submit.

Problem areas

Take soil and root samples from the margins of the problem area where the plants are still living. If possible, also take samples from healthy areas in the same field. If possible, take both soil and root samples from problem and healthy areas in the same field.

Sample Handling

Soil samples

Place in plastic bags as soon as possible after collecting.

Root samples

Place in plastic bags and cover with moist soil from the sample area.

Storage

Store samples at 5°C-10°C (40°C-50°F) and do not expose them to direct sunlight or extreme heat or cold (freezing). Only living nematodes can be counted. Accurate counts depend on proper handling of samples.

Submitting Plant for Disease Diagnosis or Identification

Sample submission forms

Forms can be obtained from your local Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs office. Carefully fill in all of the categories on the form. In the space provided, draw the most obvious symptom and the pattern of the disease in the field. It is important to include the cropping history of the area for the past three years and this year's pesticide use records.

Choose a complete, representative sample showing early symptoms. Submit as much of the plant as is practical, including the root system or several plants showing a range of symptoms. If symptoms are general, collect the sample from an area where they are of intermediate severity. Completely dead material is usually inadequate for diagnosis.

With plant specimens submitted for identification, include at least a 20-25 cm sample of the top portion of the stem with lateral buds, leaves, flowers or fruits in identifiable condition. Wrap plants in newspaper and put in a plastic bag. Tie the root system off in a separate plastic bag to avoid drying out and contamination of the leaves by soil. Do not add moisture, as this encourages decay in transit. Cushion specimens and pack in a sturdy box to avoid damage during shipping. Avoid leaving specimens to bake or freeze in a vehicle or in a location where they could deteriorate.

Delivery

Deliver to the Pest Diagnostic Clinic as soon as possible by first class mail or by courier at the beginning of the week.

Submitting Insect Speciments for Identification

Collecting samples

Place dead, hard-bodied insects in vials or boxes and cushion with tissues or cotton. Place soft-bodied insects and caterpillars in vials containing alcohol. Do not use water, as this results in rot. Do not tape insects to paper or send them loose in an envelope.
Place live insects in a container with enough plant "food" to support them during transit. Be sure to write "live" on the outside of the container.

Sample Submission Form

(Form available in adobe format 1.00 mb)