Annuals and Perennials
Annuals are defined as herbaceous plants (those having no above ground, persistent, woody parts) that complete their lifecycle in one year. In the northern climates, tender perennials are often treated as annuals. Perennials are herbaceous plants that can live for many seasons, often with their above ground parts dying back in the winter and new growth emerging from the surviving root system each spring.

Annuals and Perennials Factsheets are available to view or download. They contain useful information about specific plant diseases and provide symptom descriptions and any available control recommendations.

How To Submit Samples:

(Also check out the Sample Submission page for important additional information)

Most Samples If you know you are dealing with Nematode Samples:
  • The sample to be submitted should contain all parts of the plant when possible.
  • Wrap the sample loosely in a plastic bag and package it in a sturdy box.
  • Try to mail the sample as quickly as possible. If the sample can not be mailed immediately, keep it refrigerated or out of direct sunlight.
  • 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 diagnoses.
  • It is helpful if the sample is taken from an area that has early symptoms of the problem. Areas that are completely dead often contain a number of secondary organisms that may hinder the detection of the primary pathogen.
  • The best time of year for nematode analyses is during the active growing season.
  • A minimum of 6 soil sub-samples, approximately 1" in diameter and 4" in depth, should be collected from an area surrounding the planting.
  • If sampling from an individual specimen, collect the soil sub-samples from within the plant's canopy.
  • The sub-samples should be collected randomly throughout the area and then mixed together thoroughly.
  • About a pint of this soil mixture should be transferred to a plastic bag and sent to the Diagnostic Clinic.
  • If a foliar nematode is suspected, it is best to send in the whole plant. If a root inhabiting nematode is suspected, include some root material from the plant with the soil.

Mail the sample as quickly as possible! If the sample can not be mailed immediately, keep it refrigerated or out of direct sunlight.

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

  • Always fill out the "Submission Form". Providing as much information on the form as possible will help in ensuring an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Make sure you include the form with your sample.
  • You may want to keep a copy of the form for your own records.
  • Please feel free to call the clinic with any questions prior to your sample submission.
  • For faster response, include your fax number or email address and indicate how you would prefer to receive the results.
  • Please include a check for the appropriate fee made out to Cornell University.
PDDC Homepage, Fees, Sample Submission, Diagnostic Fact Sheets, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, IPM in New York State, Plant Pathological Terms