SAMPLE SUBMISSION

Examine the plant carefully. Symptoms may appear at some distance from the actual site of infection. Look for any irregularities or injuries on the lower portion of the plant.

• Collect a sample that is representative of the condition in question. It is important that you try to collect the sample prior to any pesticide applications – once pesticides have been applied, it may be difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
• The sample to be submitted should, when possible, contain all parts of the plant. Include enough material showing the full range of development of the disease, from healthy to maximum disease development. Collect the sample from an area that shows early development of the problem, as areas which contain mostly dead plant material often contain several secondary organisms which complicates the identification of the primary pathogen. Do NOT send dead plants.
• Wrap samples in dry paper towelling, paper bags or clean newspaper (do NOT add water) and pack loosely in a plastic bag to prevent excessive drying. When submitting a whole plant sample, place the root system in a plastic bag and fasten around the stem. Place a dry paper towel around the leaf area and place the whole sample in a larger plastic bag and close.
• Package all specimens securely in a sturdy container (Styrofoam container or cardboard boxes) to prevent crushing. Packing material such as newspaper can be added to prevent damage / crushing during transit.
• Send only freshly collected samples and use the most rapid transit method. Diagnosis can be difficult, if not impossible, when delays result in extensive deterioration of the sample.
• If the sample cannot be sent to us promptly, keep it refrigerated or out of direct sunlight and/or heat.

1. Fleshy fruits, roots, and tubers – wrap clean, absorbent material such as paper toweling to absorb any leakage. DO NOT place samples in plastic bags.
2. Woody plants – for smaller plants submit an entire plant. Enclose the roots and soil with a plastic bag. Canker, dieback etc. on trees or shrubs – cut the branch several centimeters beyond each end of the affected area, to include some healthy wood. Dead, deteriorating branches are often worthless as samples.
3. Turf – lift a section of the turf so that healthy grass, along with the margin and the central parts of the affected area, is included in the sample. Enclose the entire sample in a plastic zipper bag (do not add water). When collecting samples from more than one area, use separate bags.
4. Garden plants, greenhouse plants – dig up (do not pull) complete plants, leaving roots and soil intact. Enclose the roots and soil with a plastic bag. Do not wrap the stem and leaves in plastic.
5. Virus testing – Collect symptomatic leaves, stems or the entire plant and place in a plastic bag. Do not let the leaves dry out, but do not add extra water. Leaves can be pressed between layers of paper towelling and then put in zipper plastic bag.

• A submitted sample must be of good quality and quantity and be submitted with the relevant completed Disease Diagnosis form (available on our Web site) Provide as much information on the form(s) as possible to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the problem.
• Be sure you include the form with your sample. You may also want to keep one copy of the form for your records.
• For faster response, include your e-mail address and indicate how you would prefer to
  receive the results.
• Samples are typically processed on a first come, first served basis.
• A report (results and control measures) will be e-mailed, faxed or posted as soon as the results are finalised.
• An invoice will be send with the report or soon thereafter.

Option 1:  Register and complete the necessary information online (coming soon) 

Please select this link to the Plant Disease Clinic App.

Option 2:  Download and complete the applicable sample submission form

Provide as much information as possible. Listing what the plant is (name, cultivar/variety, age), symptoms (colour deviation, abnormal growth and how severe the disease is); the growth conditions (soil type, how much water, recent weather conditions) and cultural practices (previous crops, whether pesticides have been used etc.) are all important in determining the reason for the symptoms.  This additional information helps the PDC to determine what the problems most probably can be and assists with the decision of specific analysis, if needed.

Plant Disease Clinic (PDC)

Paul vd Bijl Building,
Welgevallen Experimental Farm,
Suidwal Street,
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape

Operation hours:

Samples can be dropped off at the PDC on weekdays between 07:30 – 16:00, except on public holidays.

Parking: 

When approaching the Welgevallen gate in Suidwal Street, use the keypad on the large gooseneck to phone the lab (press the large white button).  This gate will then be remotely opened for you.  Upon entrance, immediately on your left hand will be the Paul vd Bijl gate. Parking is available in front of the Paul vd Bijl Building.

You will be invoiced after your analysis has been completed, while your report is sent to you.  Reports will also be available on the Plant Disease Clinic App (once the app is completed).

Submission turn-a-round:  Average turnaround time is approximately 2 weeks from time of receipt.
Please call (021) 808 3222 if you have not received a report by three weeks after submission.

If you have any further questions, please e-mail us at Plantsiektekliniek@stellenbosch.onmicrosoft.com.

Courier the sample as fast as possible. Possible couriers include: The Courier Guy; DHL; Aramex; or any local courier company.

NB: There is no courier delivery at the University of Stellenbosch over weekends or on public holidays. To ensure your sample get processed as soon as possible, collect and send samples to reach us not later than the Friday morning of a regular week. During weeks with public holidays, please call in advance to make arrangements.

Please feel free to call the clinic with any questions prior to your sample submission.