Fruit

(trees, shrubs, and berries)
Fruit crops are scientifically defined as those plants that produce edible reproductive structures. However, this definition does not follow the public's distinction between what is considered a fruit and what is considered a vegetable. Using this definition, tomatoes and peppers are considered fruit but most people refer to them as vegetables. For our purposes, we will use the public's perception of these plants to distinguish between them. Fruits are those plants that produce edible reproductive structures and are grown as perennial crops. They are often produced on a large scale in orchards as well as in backyard gardens. Fruits include tree fruits such as apple, pear, peach, and cherry and small fruit crops such as raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, gooseberry, and strawberry.

Fruit Factsheets are available to view or download. They list useful information about a specific plant disease and provide symptom descriptions and any available control recommendations.

How to Submit a Fruit Plant Sample:

(Also check out the Sample Submission page for important additional information)
Most Samples: If you Know you are Submitting a Nematode Sample:
  • The sample to be submitted should contain all parts of the plant when possible.
  • Wrap the sample in a paper 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 that is approximately one acre in size.
  • If sampling from an individual specimen such as a tree, collect the soil sub-samples from within the dripline of the tree's canopy.
  • The sub-samples should be collected randomly throughout the area.
  • The sub-samples should be mixed together thoroughly.
  • About a pint of this soil mix 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.

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, Department of Plant Pathology, Fees, Sample Submission, Diagnostic Fact Sheets, Cornell University, CALS, Cornell Cooperative Extension, IPM in New York State, Plant Pathological Terms, The Berry Diagnostic Tool (Horticulture), Diagnostic Keys to Fruit Tree Diseases (NYSAES)