In order for diagnosis of your sample to be effective and accurate, please carefully follow the below shipping requirements.

1. Always select fresh plant material that is symptomatic but not dried out, dead, or decaying. We are unable to diagnose plants that are already dead.

2. Do not ship live insects or arthropods. Crushed insects and insects stuck to clear tape are unidentifiable. Place insects in freezer to kill them. Preserve soft-bodied insects in a leak-proof vial of alcohol.

3. Separate soil from plant material. If the root system is included, place a plastic bag around it and secure with a twist tie or rubber band to keep soil from contaminating leaves/stems.Place the entire sample into a sealed plastic bag. A dry paper towel can be wrapped around the plant to absorb excess moisture and prevent the plant from sticking to the plastic.

4. Never add water to the sample for shipment--water will degrade the sample and prevent an accurate diagnosis.

5. Ship in a crush-proof container such as a box. A box helps protect the sample and helps us provide an accurate diagnosis.

6. Mail to the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab:
UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab
1380 Storrs Rd., Unit 4115
Storrs, CT 06269-4115

7. Email us the tracking information so we know when to expect your package!