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Horticulture Diagnostic Services

Horticulture pathology

Plant Research Centre, Waite Precinct, Hartley Grove,
Urrbrae SA 5064
Postal Address:  GPO Box 397 Adelaide, SA 5001
Ph: 08 8303 9562 / 8303 9585
Fax: 08 8303 9303

Other information

Sample Submission Forms:
     Disease Diagnosis (PDF)
     Botrytis Testing (PDF)
     Potato Virus Testing (PDF)
     Protocol: Virus Testing of Potatoes (PDF)
     Insect Specimen (PDF File)
Nematode
   Nematode sample form
   Guide to sampling for nematodes

What information does the service provide?

Disease and insect identification for all horticultural crops
Details of cause of disease where available
Guidelines for control where required

How fast is the service?

When requested, interim feedback can be provided by phone or fax within 3 working days of receipt of sample. The time for the final report will depend on whether further testing is required, and is outlined on the pricing sheet. A written report and invoice will be submitted when all testing has been completed.

A client has 48 hours, from the time the interim report is received, to advise whether they require these tests. If further testing is not required, the client will be charged the Direct/Microscope Examination fee. A final report will then be issued together with an invoice.

What details to provide when sending samples?

Client details - name, postal address, telephone and fax numbers, location of property.

Sample details - date, plant (and cultivar if known), specimen submitted (whole plant, leaves, soil, insect etc) description of symptoms (part of plant infected, symptom development etc)

Background information - growing conditions, previous sprays/fertilisers, crop history, pattern of infection, area infected.

Investigation requested. 

Sample submission forms are available if required - please contact the appropriate laboratory

Sampling, packaging & delivery of specimens

Accurate diagnoses can only be made if you carefully select and package your specimens, and arrange for rapid delivery to avoid deterioration. The completion of a Specimen Submission Form, outlining the nature of the problem and/or a detailed letter is essential.

Do not send specimens on a Friday, as they may deteriorate in transit over the weekend. 

Specimen sampling

Container plants
Choose pots or trays with plants showing a range of symptoms, from initial to advanced stages.

Plants wilting, yellowing & dying back
Dig up and submit whole plants (if feasible) together with soil around roots.
Dead plants are not suitable for disease identification.

Fruit, leaves, flowers, twigs and branches
Select specimens on which there are both diseased and adjacent healthy areas.

Root diseases (Phytophthora)
Collect a number of sub-samples of soil and roots, to a depth of 15 cm, from beneath each plant and bulk together to make a representative sample of about 500g, for each plant or location for Phytophthora testing.

Nematodes
For nematode sampling refer to Guide to sampling nematodes. Nematodes can be extracted from either soil or roots. Separate samples from diseased and healthy plants can assist diagnosis, or a representative sample can be taken from a block for population monitoring.

Insects
Different insects types require different packaging and sampling methods. If unsure contact SARDI Entomology before sampling. See also Insect Diagnostic Service.

 

Specimen packaging

If a specimen is not hand delivered, the following procedures should be followed to ensure that it arrives in the best possible condition.

Leaves, flowers or small plants: Wrap sample in paper towelling, place sample in a sealed plastic bag and then into a padded envelope.
Soil: Place soil in strong sealed plastic bags or sealed container (not glass) and pack into sturdy rigid box to prevent crushing.
Bulky plant material (stems, branches & roots): As above.
Potted plants and seedling trays: Must be boxed or put into sturdy rigid containers.
Fruit: Must be wrapped in paper and placed in a waterproof pack in a sturdy rigid container.

Label each sample clearly with a waterproof marker.

Do not send specimen sheet or letter in with sample unless in a plastic bag. Place in envelope and attach to outside of parcel.

Couriers may refuse to handle plant material if not well packaged.

 

Where to submit specimens?

If mailing, use Express Post for quick delivery of specimens

Mark package "Urgent - plant samples"

For plant diseases
Post to:


SARDI Horticulture Pathology
Diagnostic Service
Plant Research Centre
GPO Box 397
ADELAIDE SA 5001

 Deliver to:
SARDI Horticulture Pathology
Diagnostic Service
Plant Research Centre
Gateway 2B
Hartley Grove
URRBRAE SA 5064

For nematodes

as above, marked ATTN Dr Greg Walker

Enquiries:
      Phone 8303 9355, 8303 9497
      Fax 8303 9393

 Deliver to:
SARDI Entomology
Diagnostic Service
Main Building,
Waite Rd
URRBRAE 5064

For insects (See Insect Diagnostic Service)

Enquiries:

Please ring or fax the Insect Diagnostic Service if in doubt about how to forward your specimen or for other general enquires.

Tel: +61 (08) 8303 9540
Tel: +61 (08) 8303 9536 (Mon - Wed)

For nutrient analysis

via South Australian Soil and Plant Analysis Service. Contact the Soil and Plant Testing manager on 8595 9125 for sample kits.

Ring the Diagnostic Service if in doubt about how to forward your specimen and other general information