USPP - Disease Clinic

The Plant Disease Clinic is a service laboratory situated within the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Stellenbosch. The clinic started its activities in October 2000, and specialists in the field of plant pathology diagnose problems on the samples received. We diagnose all types of fungal or bacterial diseases on various crops, including trees, shrubs, vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, etc. Viral diseases, insect problems and leaf analysis for nutritional shortages are not handled by us, but can, on request, be send to experts in the particular field. Diagnosis can take between one and 2 weeks to be completed, although new diseases necessitate additional pathogenicity tests, which may take longer. Each sample submitted will receive a written diagnostic report, explaining the findings, and listing any available control recommendations.

We aim to provide fast but accurate diagnoses and always seeks new methods for minimising diagnosis time. The digital camera, used conventionally or through the microscope lense, has become a useful diagnostic aid. This enables us to forward digital images of pathogen structures to international experts for verification. Experience gained through work done for the private sector is shared with producers. We also provide valuable practical training for under- and postgraduate students.

Collecting and submitting samples for analysis
Submission form (Pdf)
Submission form - fruit trees (Pdf)
Costs
Contact and hours of operation

When collecting samples for analysis, please keep a few things in mind:

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 a number of secondary organisms which complicates the identification of the primary pathogen.
Wrap samples in dry paper towelling, paper bags or clean newspaper. (Do not add moisture) and pack loosely in a plastic bag to prevent excessive drying. Package in a sturdy container for 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 send to us promptly, keep it refrigerated or out of direct sunlight.

Hints for specific plant material:

1. Fleshy fruits, roots, and tubers - wrap enough clean, absorbent material such as paper towelling to absorb any leakage. DO NOT place samples in plastic bags. Package in a sturdy container to prevent crushing.
2. Woody plants - for smaller plants submit an entire plant. Cover roots and soil with a plastic bag. Canker, dieback etc. on trees or shrubs - cut the branch several centimetres beyond each end of the affected area, so as 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 bag. When collecting samples from more than one area, use separate bags.
4. Garden plants, green house plants - dig up (do not pull) complete plants, leaving roots and soil intact.

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When submitting samples for diagnosis, please keep the following in mind:

Please fill in the submission form when submitting a sample. (The form can also be faxed to you or downloaded as a .pdf file.)
Providing as much information on the form as possible will help in ensuring 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 fax number or e-mail address and indicate how you would prefer to receive the results.
The invoice will be send with the report.

Courier the sample as fast as possible. Possible couriers include:
Sun, Courier, XPS, DHL, TNT

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.

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