Samples in plug trays, as well as unrooted and rooted cuttings, and plants in pots require extra care when they are packaged for submittal to a diagnostic lab. Before you mail the next sample, please take a few minutes to review these suggestions for packaging and submitting samples. This will help preserve the integrity of the sample during shipment and increase the likelihood of a more accurate diagnosis.
Plugs – keep them in the tray. If possible, do not remove the plugs from the plug tray. Submitting either an entire tray or cutting off a section of the tray helps maintain the integrity of the plants (Figure 1). Secondary decay often occurs when soil is allowed to come in contact with the foliage, interfering with accurate diagnosis. When possible, submit at least 5-10 cells with plugs. This provides the diagnostician with ample material for microscopic observation, culturing, and virus testing if necessary.
Cuttings – separate foliage from media with a plastic bag. The primary concern is to keep the growing media separate from the foliage to prevent contamination and rotting. Put the cuttings into a plastic bag, and seal the bag with a twist tie (Figure 2) at the soil line. Do not seal the foliage in a plastic bag. Next, wrap the sample in newspaper to prevent additional drying out of foliage before it is received. Newspaper is one of the best packing materials for plant samples.
Potted material – pack around the plant. Take into consideration that the mail carrier will not necessarily keep these packages right side up. Place plastic wrap, clear packing tape or paper over the pot surface (Figure 3), or put the pot in a bag and seal it with a twist tie around the base of the plant. Fill any extra space in the shipping box with newspaper, styrofoam peanuts, or another space filling packing material (Figure 4) to prevent jostling of sample during shipment.
If you are delivering the sample to our building… We welcome delivery of samples in person! There are two parking spaces on the west end of our building. Samples may be dropped off from 8am-5pm in room LSPS 116 in the two-story brick building (Life Sciences Plant and Soils) located in-between Lily Hall of Life Sciences and the Life Science Greenhouses. A completed submission form must accompany all samples. Sample submission forms can be downloaded from our website (www.ppdl.purdue.edu) and filled out ahead of time or are available at the drop off point. We also encourage submission of accompanying digital images that show the symptoms and distribution in the greenhouse. www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/digital.html
Shipping – avoid the weekend. Do not mail or ship samples on Friday, as we are not here to receive them over the weekend. Samples can be sent via US mail, UPS, FedEx, etc. We encourage you to send samples with priority or express delivery so we receive them in the best condition possible to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.
Figure 1. Plug flat wrapped and ready for shipment to diagnostic lab.
Figure 2. Media and roots on left are properly secured for shipment.
Figure 3. Tape keeps soil in the pot during shipment.
Figure 4. Use styrofoam, packing peanuts, or crumpled newspaper inside a crush proof box to protect the sample during shipment.