Phytosphere
Research - Horticulture / Urban Forestry / Plant
Resources / Agriculture
PLANT HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
"The diagnosis of disease is often easy, often difficult,
and often impossible."
Peter Mere Latham (1789-1875)
A good diagnosis is essential
Plant health problems can be successful managed only
by addressing causes rather than symptoms. Attempts to solve a landscape
problem without a good understanding of the cause are usually ineffective
and wasteful. Pest control tactics that involve the use of broad-spectrum
pesticides without a clear understanding of the problem are environmentally
and economically unjustifiable.
Accurate diagnosis often requires field observations
and investigations
Plant problem diagnosis involves both art and science.
An experienced diagnostician can identify many plant pests and diseases
on sight. However, plant health problems in landscapes are frequently caused
by the combined actions of several interacting agents or conditions. In
such cases, more detailed field observations and other investigations may
be needed to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Collecting and testing plant
and/or soil samples is often a part of this process. Sample tests are only
one aspect of the diagnostic process and are sometimes unnecessary. Without
field observations and information on site history, pathogen isolations
and other lab tests may not provide useful information. Organisms found
on or in diseased or damaged plant parts may or may not play a major role
in a given plant health problem.
Phytosphere Research provides field diagnostic services
Since 1987, Phytosphere Research has provided expert diagnostic
services to landscape owners and managers and other landscape professionals. Though
our investigations, we sort out the factors that contribute to poor plant performance
and provide practical recommendations that address the underlying causes. As needed,
we collect and process plant, insect, fungal, and soil samples that will help
us diagnose a problem. To help manage landscapes for long-term sustainability,
we stress cultural and biological techniques in our recommendations. Please contact
us for an estimate if you are interested in our field diagnostic services.
Submitting samples for identification of fungal fruiting
bodies
Phytosphere Research accepts some submitted samples
for identification, but to provide the best diagnostic services possible,
we only accept samples that can clearly provide relevant information to
the client. We will accept fungal fruiting bodies collected from or attached
to plant tissue for identification if they are in good condition. Please
provide the following information with your sample:
-
Geographic location where sample was collected
-
Host plant
-
Portion of plant with fruiting body
-
Associated symptoms
-
Date of collection
Please call or email us for specific instructions
on how to prepare and ship your sample and current fee. Please contact
us if you have special needs or projects that require custom services.
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Research