How to Submit Plant Materials

Instructions for collecting, preparing and shipping your samples

Announcements

The Plant Clinic is devoted to our clients and wish to offer the best outcome for samples submitted for diagnosis.

For best results, we request that packages be sent via mail or express delivery if at all possible. Whole tree or other large samples too bulky to mail, they can be dropped off at the Clinic, in room 2503 on the 2nd floor of Cordley Hall (map view).

Loading docks can be found on either the north side or the west side of the building. The west loading dock is accessible from Orchard St., just before 27th.

Samples will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.

How to collect, prepare and ship samples

We very much appreciate your cooperation! For best service to your growers, for the most useful returns on your efforts, and for the efficient use of your time, please read and observe these instructions before collecting, packing and submitting specimens.

How to Collect a Sample

Collecting

Select material showing the symptoms you are concerned about. Send several samples showing various stages of disease, especially early symptoms. If possible also send a healthy plant.
Get all parts of plants, including roots where practical. Enclose roots and soil in a plastic bag. Use another bag to enclose the rest of the plant.
If it is not practical to send the entire plant, include several affected portions of the plant. With stem or branch disorders, also include a section of live material attached to the diseased portion.
If a vascular wilt such as Verticillium wilt or Dutch elm disease is suspected, send several branch sections 1 inch in diameter and about 6 inches long from branches with dying, wilted, or yellowed leaves. Do not send dead wood. Put samples in a plastic bag to prevent drying.
Fleshy specimens such as mushrooms, fruit, or potatoes should be as firm as possible and show early and intermediate symptom development. Wrap specimens separately in dry towels or newspaper. Do not put in plastic. Pack with sufficient padding to avoid crushing.
Water samples for Phytophthora testing should consist of at least a volume of 500 ml. Please call the Clinic (541-737-3472) for further directions on sampling and shipping.

How to Pack and Ship a Sample

Packing

Keep plants cool and moist before shipping. Mail as soon as possible after collecting. Mail specimens early in the week to avoid delay in the post office over weekends or holidays.
Pack in a sturdy container to prevent crushing in transit. Use paper to pack the specimen firmly in the container.
Identify the package with labels both outside and inside. Put the label and Plant Disease Form in a waterproof barrier such as plastic.

Mailing Address

Mailing address

Mail to:

OSU Botany Plant Clinic
Cordley Hall 2503
2701 SW Campus Way Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone: 541-737-3472

Please send us the shipper and tracking number if you ship via an express delivery service so we can track packages and ensure they are delivered quickly from our central University mailing service.

Drop Off Location

Drop off address

If samples are too large to be shipped, please drop them off, they can be delivered to the Plant Clinic at 2614 Cordley Hall (2nd floor) (map view).

Loading docks can be found on either the east side or the west side of the building. The west loading dock is accessible from Orchard St., just before 27th. To get there, pull into the parking lot between the new North District Utility Plant (immediately west of Cordley & not yet on the map) and Cordley Hall.

Samples will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.

OSU Botany Plant Clinic
Cordley Hall 2503
2701 SW Campus Way
Corvallis, OR 97331

Plant Disease Form

How to Submit Plant Materials