SAMPLE ANALYSIS
Turf sample analysis for disease identification
Accurate disease diagnosis is essential if appropriate
controls are to be implemented. Several fungi may well be present in or on
any given turf sample, but the skill in identifying the disease problem relies
on experience and a knowledge of turfgrass management.
If you would like to send a turf sample for analysis,
please follow the procedure outlined below:
1. Please give me a call to let
me know that you are sending a sample. Although this is not
essential, you are likely to get a faster reply if I know that the sample is
being sent. If I am going to be away from the office for a while, I can
advise you of the best time to send a sample in for analysis and discuss the
problem with you beforehand.
2. Remove
a representative sample of turf from the edge of the affected area. If
there are several small patches across the turf area, take the sample such that
the whole patch is present on the sample. Individual turf samples should be
approximately 10 cm (4 inches) diameter - hollow tine cores are no use for
disease identification. You can always send one sample from an affected area and
a second sample from an apparently unaffected area, for comparison.
3. Wrap the samples tightly in
newspaper to ensure that the rootzone material does not contaminate the sward.
Do not wrap the sample directly in polythene as this will encourage rapid
deterioration of the sward during transit and hinder disease diagnosis.
4. Label the sample to identify where
it has been taken from. This will help you to interpret the results when
they are sent to you. Please give some history of the problem if you can.
5. Pack your sample tightly in a
cardboard box to limit the amount of movement during transport and enclose your
contact details with the sample. Please use ballpoint pens to write your
note - marker pens run when damp and become unreadable. You can also copy
your contact details on the outside of the package.
6. Send your samples to The
Turf Disease Centre by next day delivery, enclosing payment (of
GB£65 per
sample), unless otherwise arranged. Cheques should be made payable to
'C A Entwistle'.
7. The result of a sample analysis
will be forwarded as quickly as possible, either by e-mail or fax, or sent by
first class mail if the previous options are not available.
Ultimately, a hard copy of the result will be posted to you.
If you allow your samples to remain
in the post for an extended period of time,
they will deteriorate, making
accurate identification difficult.
If this happens, you may be asked to send new samples.
Turf sample analysis for pest identification
Please note: an assessment for the presence of invertebrate pests is ALWAYS completed alongside a disease analysis to ensure that a full assessment of the problem is provided.
