Submitting Samples

General Information

  • $100 out-of state

  • ALL OTHER SAMPLES:
  • $10: In-state samples submitted by Coop. Ext. Service, NCSU and NCDA personnel and non-profit agencies.
  • $20 All other in-state samples.
  • $75: All out-of-state samples

    Multiple sub-samples of one crop (up to a maximum of 5) will be treated as one sample.

    Make check payable to NCSU and include with the sample.

    NOTE: Sudden Oak Death samples and WEED ID Samples are not send to the clinic but are mailed to address given on those forms. The links to those forms are provided here for your convience. There is no charge for SOD and Weed ID samples.

  • Remote (Digital) Diagnosis

    Digital image samples are currently free of charge. Physical samples sent as follow-ups are billed at the normal rates.

    To submit an image sample please visit our new database at : https://plantclinic.ces.ncsu.edu/

    NC Co-operative Extension Service employees and NCSU Campus users can log in using a Unity ID.

    If you're not a CES employee you can create an external user account by selecting "Guest Login" from the dropdown menu on the Unity login page. Follow the instructions on the next screen.

    Be sure to fill in all the required information. We can't give you a good diagnosis or ID if you don't give us good information.

    Digital images must be in JPG format.

  • Required Information (samples with incomplete information will not be processed)

    Fill out the appropriate form giving all the information requested.
    Be sure to CHECK OFF the SYMPTOMS, DISTRIBUTION and PARTS AFFECTED
    and complete the LOCATION section.
    Complete ALL sections of the front of the form if you are submitting an insect for identification.
    Enclose the form and check in a plastic bag to protect them from moisture and dirt.
    Send early in the week to avoid having the specimen sitting in the campus mail room over a weekend.
    Send specimens as soon as possible after collecting. Refrigerate any specimens which cannot be shipped immediately.
    Do not allow specimens to dry out or get too hot.

How to ship specimens

Samples which might break down quickly should be shipped by an express mail service. We do not accept weekend deliveries.

Address for US Postal Service, UPS & FedEx
Plant Disease and Insect Clinic
Campus Box 7211
100 Derieux Place
1227 Gardner Hall
North Carolina State University      
Raleigh, NC 27695-7211

 State Courier Address
Plant Disease and Insect Clinic
Campus Box 7211 NCSU
Raleigh, NC
STATE COURIER: 53-61-21


Instructions for submitting specific crops or crop categories:
    Small Plants from Fields, Landscapes or Gardens:
  • DIG UP (do not pull) several COMPLETE plants leaving ROOTS AND SOIL INTACT.
  • Enclose the roots and soil (approximately one quart) in a plastic bag and secure the bag.
  • Place the entire plant in another plastic bag and secure.
  • It is IMPORTANT to keep soil off the foliage.
    Woody plants (Azalea, Boxwood, Holly, Camellia, Rhododendron, trees of all types, miscellaneous landscape shrubs, vines, etc.)
  • Collect a generous double handful of feeder roots and one quart of soil from representative plants that have moderate symptoms. DO NOT send plants which have been dead for months.
  • Place ROOTS and SOIL TOGETHER in a plastic bag and close securely.
  • Place several branches which are showing decline in a SEPARATE PLASTIC BAG and secure.
  • For smaller plants, submit an entire plant. Cover the roots and soil with a plastic bag. Place the entire plant in another plastic bag and secure.
  • Be sure there is no water on the foliage surfaces -- this causes deterioration during shipping.
  • Canker, Dieback or Swellings on Trees or Shrubs -- Cut the branch several inches beyond each end of affected area, including some live wood. Place specimen in a plastic bag and secure the bag.
    Greenhouse plants
  • Leave plants in pots whenever possible. Plant foliage should be dry and planting medium should be slightly moist but not soggy.
  • Enclose the pot in a plastic bag and secure the bag at the main stem of the plant.
  • Wrap foliage in newspaper and pull bag up around paper and tie it off.
  • It is IMPORTANT to keep soil off the foliage.
  • Bedding plants can be left in their containers but pack newspaper or other padding around them before wrapping in newspaper.
    Fleshy vegetables, fruits, mushrooms
  • Do not place produce in plastic bags!!!
  • Collect several specimens.
  • Wrap each in several layers of newspaper.
  • Package in a box to prevent crushing.
  • Most insects - Roaches, Termites, Bugs, Beetles, Flies, Wasps, Ants, Maggots, Spiders, etc. should be sent in 70% alcohol.
  • Mites, Scales, Aphids and Thrips -- Send in alive on some of the affected foliage/stems, collected as you would a plant specimen. Place in a plastic bag when collected.
  • Butterflies and Moths -- Send in killed (ethyl acetate is good), packaged lightly in tissue paper in a crush-proof box.
  • Caterpillars -- Send in alive on some of the host plant in a plastic bag.
  • Grubs -- Send in alive in a pint or two of soil enclosed in a plastic bag.
  • When in doubt, put specimens in 70% alcohol.
  • Collect at least several specimens if possible.

INADEQUATE SAMPLES CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED!!!
Plant Disease and Insect Clinic home page