Samples of grape vines, fruit, and leaves can be submitted to the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic for diagnosis.
Vine Samples:
- Cut vines which show the symptoms of concern by making the sampling cut several inches below the last visible symptoms.
- Make sure to include both leaves and stems if sampling during the growing season.
- Samples should be carefully packaged in a sturdy box and shipped early in the week to avoid weekend layovers during which the sample will deteriorate.
- Include a completed General Form.
- Pictures of the problem in the field are always helpful.
Fruit Samples:
- Pick symptomatic bunches of fruit.
- Wrap each bunch in newspaper or paper towels so that any excess moisture will be absorbed and will not contaminate the sample.
- Pack the wrapped fruit clusters in a sturdy box. If shipping fruit clusters along with a vine sample, box the fruit separately so that the fruit will not suffer additional bruising.
- Samples should be carefully packaged and shipped early in the week to avoid weekend layovers during which the sample will deteriorate.
- Include a completed General Form.
- Pictures of the problem in the field are always helpful.
Sampling Hints:
- Samples should be fresh.
- Samples should represent the early to middle stages of the development of the problem. A completely dead and decaying sample cannot be reliably diagnosed.
- Samples should be carefully packaged and shipped early in the week to avoid weekend layovers during which the sample will deteriorate.
- Be sure to include sample documentation and background information. The specimen form can be downloaded from: General Form
- Pictures of the problem in the field are always helpful.