Please contact us before submitting samples, as it is important that sampling procedures are appropriate for each particular problem.
Diagnosis of an unknown soil-borne disease problem. Submit the crown of the diseased plant, a good sample of roots and at least 500 mL of the soil from around the roots. Sample plants that have just started to decline rather than severely debilitated or dead plants.
Nematodes on an established crop. Ensure the sample is representative by collecting soil and roots from at least ten sampling points. Gently mix the sample in a bucket, discard large roots and keep a sub-sample of about 500 mL soil and 100g fine roots (if they are present).
Nematodes and root diseases of turf. For nematode samples, use a 2.5 cm diameter sampling tube and collect about 20 cores to a depth of 5-10 cm (i.e. about 500 mL of soil). Collect cores from the margins of problem areas rather than from areas that are severely debilitated or dead. If disease diagnosis is also required, collect a section of turf about 10 cm in diameter and 6 cm deep from the edge of the affected area. Where possible, include both healthy and diseased grass.
Pre-plant soil samples for nematodes. Use a spade or sampling tube to collect about one handful of soil from a large number (at least 20 but preferably 50) randomly selected points in each 0.5-1ha field. Place the soil in a bucket, mix it gently and retain about 500 mL for analysis. In situations where nematode populations are likely to be low and a bioassay may be required, 2 litres of soil should be retained.
Soil health samples. Collect a composite sample from the root zone in much the same way as for nematodes. If possible, forward separate samples from areas that have a similar soil type but different soil management histories, as it may then be possible to evaluate the effects of management on the biological parameters that are measured.
Forwarding samples
Samples should be placed into plastic bags and packed in a sturdy cardboard box, postal pack or insulated picnic cooler. Keep samples cool but do not refrigerate. Also, do not expose samples to excessive heat (i.e. by leaving them in the sun or inside a closed vehicle).
Clearly identify each sample by marking bags with a felt pen that will not rub or wash off easily, or by writing on a label tied to the bag. Do not write on paper and place it inside a bag, as details are often unreadable when samples arrive.
Please avoid sending samples that arrive in Brisbane on Friday, or over the weekend. Since numbers and activity of some micro-organisms can change quickly, some tests have to be done immediately they arrive. If weekend work is involved, additional costs for overtime may have to be passed on to the client.
Sample Information Sheet
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Test results are of little value if they are not interpreted professionally. Our staff will attempt to interpret the results and indicate what they mean. However, they can only do this successfully if they have a clear picture of how and why the samples were taken, and have some understanding of the environmental and other factors that may have influenced the result. It is therefore important that all relevant details are included with the sample. If we have to telephone for additional information, we add an extra charge to cover our costs. Information of importance that should be supplied with the sample includes previous cropping history, details of previous nematode or soil-borne disease problems, current crop, crop to be grown, symptoms and their distribution, recent fungicide or nematicide use, and irrigation method. Agronomic information and details of soil management practices that could have influenced the result should also be included where possible.
The value of laboratory analyses for nematodes and soil-borne pathogens can be improved if an agronomist with knowledge of the farm and its cropping system helps interpret the results. Thus Biological Crop Protection prefers to work with consultants and extension personnel who can provide the necessary background agronomic information. Our company is also interested in developing a continuing relationship with growers who wish to use nematode and disease monitoring as a management tool.
