SELECTION OF SAMPLES

Use a clean (sterile) cutting tool for each plant sampled. THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT.
This is to protect your plants. The easiest way to transmit viruses is via contaminated cutting tools. We recommend using a new single-edge razor blade for each plant.

The blades can be reused after using one of the following methods:

  • Heat in the oven @ 400 F for 3 hours
  • Brush with soapy water and then soak for 15 minutes in saturated TSP or 1% lye solution
  • Brush each blade in a 10% Clorox solution.

    We prefer a 2 - 4 inch piece from the youngest fully developed leaf. For a large plant, select from 2 – 3 parts of the plant. We have also used flowers, green button root tips, and if a section of the plant has disturbing symptoms, send a piece of that also – especially where green borders a necrotic (blackened) area.

    Place each sample in a heavy-duty plastic bag (i.e. zip-loc freezer bag). The reason we ask for a heavy-duty plastic bag is that we grind the samples in these bags. Lighter weight bags tear more easily when grinding. Don’t use paper towels or paper envelopes for samples as these allow samples to dry out or bleed across and contaminate other samples.

    On the outside of each bag write an identifier of some sort—1-20, A-Z, 1050, etc. We prefer numbers or letters, but you can use names if you need to. Don’t put paper or plastic in with the samples. Who knows what kind of contaminates go in with them.

    If you get any sap on your hands while handling a sample, wash in soapy water before handling the next plant.

    SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

    Please enclose a check with your samples for payment. Ship via priority or 1st class mail, UPS, Fed Ex, etc.
    Use a padded envelope or box for a large number of samples.
    Mail as soon after cutting the samples as possible.
    Do not let the samples sit in the sun.
    You can hold them in the fridge, but do not freeze.

    Please email us with any further questions or concerns.