Plant Problem Diagnosis
How should you collect a sample?
- Select plant material that is showing symptoms of concern and submit various stages of the problem, especially the early stages.
- Many problems originate below ground in and around roots—include roots and soil for more accurate diagnosis!
- Please do not submit dead, dry, decayed or rotted samples. They do not provide sufficient material for diagnosis.
What information should you provide?
- Personal contact information (address, phone, fax, email)
- Detailed information about the problem:
- When was problem first noticed?
- Is the problem spreading, and how fast?
- How many plants are affected?
- Detailed information about plant and its cultural care:
- type of plant, age, condition of surrounding plants
- site description (drainage, exposure, weather), irrigation
- pesticide and fertilizer use (type, rate, date)
- The correct form for your sample:
How much does this service cost?
- Information inquiries: $25.00*
- Plant problem diagnosis: $40.00*
- *Certain tests (if required) may incur additional cost.
We accept payment by cash or check only. Please make checks payable to WSU Puyallup Plant Clinic.
Send us…
- Wilting, yellowing, or dieback
Dig up and submit whole plants (with roots). - Potted plants
Send the whole plant, including roots and soil. - Fruit, leaves, flowers, twigs or branches
Send specimens showing diseased and healthy tissue. - Vascular wilt of trees (Verticillium wilt or Dutch elm disease)
Send several branch sections that are ½ to 1 inch in diameter and about 8 inches long from branches with wilting or yellowing leaves.
How should you package your specimens for shipment?
Use a sturdy box for shipping. Wrap fleshy material (such as fruits, bulbs, or tubers) in dry paper towels or newspaper. Place roots and associated soil in a plastic bag. Include padding to prevent injury during shipping.
Mail samples to:
WSU Puyallup Plant Clinic
2606 West Pioneer
Puyallup, WA 98371-4998
Please DO NOT mail on a Friday or before any national holiday as specimens may deteriorate in transit or over the weekend.
You may also drop off samples in person at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding your sample, please contact the diagnostician (253-445-4582 or jennyglass@wsu.edu) during business hours.
