Tissue Sampling

• Paper bags are preferred for tissue samples, since they breathe and reduce the risk of mold which can affect the results. If plastic bags are used, they need to be kept cold (i.e. in a cold ice chest) until they reach the laboratory. In either case, prompt delivery to the lab helps preserve sample quality.  As long as samples are fresh and not dry upon receipt, they are washed and rinsed prior to processing.
• Most samples can be gathered by hand although hand clippers maybe useful in some cases. Sampler should have clean hands. Do not use borax-containing hand soaps.
• Samples collected for microbiology, pathogens and pesticide analyses generally need refrigeration. Have a cooler and coolant available.

Procedure:

• Select proper plant part and sampling time; timing is important. See Tissue: Field & Row Crops, Permanent Crops, Ornamental, Crop Removal Samples.
• Collect 50-80 petioles or leaves per sample.
• Leaves: Collect only fully-expanded mature leaves.
• Petioles: Take only petioles, removing the leaf blade in the field. (It only takes a few minutes for blades to absorb nutrients from petioles.)
• Clearly print on each bag using an indelible marker or ballpoint pen your name/company, location (site) and sample description.
• Complete Work Request Form and return it with your sample.
• Deliver to Dellavalle as soon as possible; see Shipping Instructions.

Tissue samples are rinsed upon arrival so ship promptly as dry samples cannot be rinsed.