How to submit a sample to the WSU Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic

Close-up of cephalosporium stripe
Yellow (chlorotic) stripes in leaves of winter wheat are characteristic of Cephalosporium stripe. A single leaf may have one to three stripes. Initially, stripes are yellow but develop brown (necrotic) stripes and stripes with age. Note very small necrotic streaks in the stripes on these leaves. Stripes resulting from Cephalosporium stripe characteristically extend down the leaf blade and the leaf sheath.

You have a problem with your plant, and you are stumped and would like to submit a sample to the WSU Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, but how? Here are some simple steps to help ensure that the clinic receives the best sample in order to best diagnose what is going on with your plant.

  • Send whole plants whenever possible.
  • Submit multiple plants showing a range of symptoms (healthy, not so healthy, and really sick).
  • Make sure to include a healthy plant too.
  • Include as many photos as possible (whole field where plant is/was, neighbors to the individual plant, and close-ups of the problem with the plant).
  • Carefully package the plants.
  • Keep the sample cool (refrigerator works best) as long as possible (either to mail or walk-in).
  • Completely fill out the submission form, both sides.
  • Some information to make sure you include when filling out the form:
    • Your name and where the results can be sent
    • Growing conditions
    • Plant variety
    • Weather
    • How much is affected (plant and field)
    • Soil information
    • When did the problem first appear
    • Date of sample collection

Remember, Delay = Decay!

If you have any questions regarding how to collect or submit a sample, please reach out to the WSU Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic at 509-335-3292 or  plant.clinic@wsu.edu.

Cassandra Bates.

For questions or comments, contact Cassandra Bates via email at cass.bates@wsu.edu or contact the Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic directly via email at plant.clinic@wsu.edu or phone at 509-335-3292.