Through the state cooperative extension system, Maria is able to contact an ornamental entomologist via email with some basic questions about her crop very soon after she notices the early symptomology. She attaches images and a copy of her scouting records to her e-mail query.
Description EXAMPLE: KSU Soil Sample Information Sheet Acid-based extractions are typically performed on soil samples from fields used for agronomic production; most university soils testing labs affiliated with Agronomy departments used acid-extraction techniques. Linked at right is an example of a submittal form Maria would need to fill out to include with the media sample….
Description FACT SHEET:On-Site Testing of Growing Media & Irrigation Water This conversation occurs February 6th after the initial recommendations by the Extension Horticulturist are followed.Maria has completed a simple 1:2 media extraction (see page four of Floriculture Fact Sheet linked at right). She measured pH and EC with inexpensive hand-held meters that she calibrates prior…
Description For more on the ELISA technique visit the University of Wisconsin Plant Pathology Lab website. A commercial lab such as Agdia, www.agdia.com, has a variety of services that Maria must sort through. She may send a plant sample into the lab or request a test kit that she could use at her greenhouse operation….
Description A plant tissue analysis offers a snapshot of the plant’s tissue nutrient content at the time of sampling. An early analysis allows for deficiencies and toxicities to be detected, and proper corrective actions to be implemented before permanent physiological damage occurs. Unless otherwise specified, the youngest fully-expanded lead should be sampled. Maria decides to…
Description Maria mails plant samples along with a Plant Diagnostic Checksheet to a university Plant Pathology Diagnostic Lab. Maria sent two plants exhibiting symptomology and one plant that appeared healthy. Diagnostician Judy O’Mara talks through the steps she goes through to sort out the cause of the chlorosis. Her activities include checking color and health…
Description Maria’s water source is municipal water from a neighboring township. She maintains records of the Water Quality reports sent to her on a yearly basis, but decides to send in a sample to a commercial analytical lab, MDS Harris, in Lincoln, Nebraska since her last report is more than eight months old. To complete…