The first step in solving a problem is to identify the problem. Diagnosing plant problems in the home landscape/garden can be difficult and costly when guessing. In some situations, sending a sample to a diagnostic laboratory may be helpful in solving the problem.
Four frequently used diagnostic services available through the Okaloosa County Extension Service are the
- Insect Identification Service
- Nematode Assay Laboratory
- Plant Disease Clinic
- Extension Soil Testing Laboratory.
SOIL TEST
Q. What will the results from a soil test tell me?
A. There are two basic soil tests available – the standard soil fertility test which costs $7.00 and the soil pH and lime requirement test which costs $3.00.
$7.00 Soil Test – The results from the $7.00 test will tell you the pH of the soil and, based on the pH, the amount of lime to apply if needed. This test will also tell you the levels of phosphorus (p), potassium (k), calcium (ca), and magnesium (mg). Based on the levels of these nutrients, the test results will give fertilizer recommendations for the plants you’re growing.
$3.00 Soil Test – The results from the $3.00 test will tell you only the pH of the soil and, based on the pH, the amount of lime to apply if needed.
The soil test DOES NOT tell you if nematodes, diseases, insects or chemicals have damaged your plants. It ONLY provides information to help you fertilize and lime your plants correctly for best growth.
DISEASE SAMPLE
Q. What will the results from a disease sample tell me?
A. Provided a good sample is taken, the results will tell you if a disease is associated with the sample. If a disease is diagnosed, you will receive recommendations on control measures. Cost – There is a charge of $20.00 per disease sample which should be mailed with the disease sample to the Plant Disease Clinic.
NEMATODE SAMPLE
Q. What will the results from a nematode assay tell me?
A. Nematodes are microscopic worms which sometimes feed on the roots of various plants including certain vegetables, lawn grasses and ornamentals. As their numbers increase in the soil, nematodes can result in stunted growth and decline in plants. Many times infected plants wilt more readily during dry weather and recover from wilting more slowly than do healthy plants.
The results from a nematode soil assay will tell you the number and kind of nematodes found along with appropriate control measures.
Cost – There is a charge of $12.00 per nematode sample which should be mailed with the nematode soil assay to the Nematode Assay Laboratory.
INSECT IDENTIFICATION SERVICE
Q. What will the results from the insect identification service tell me?
A. This service will provide you with the identification of the insect along with appropriate control measures.
Cost – There is a charge of $8.00 per insect sample which should be mailed with the insect sample to the Insect Identification Laboratory.
Many plant problems (including the identification of some insects and diseases) can be diagnosed at your County Cooperative Extension Office at no cost. So check with your local Extension Office prior to sending a sample to a laboratory. Additional information on diagnostic services through the University of Florida along with information on how to obtain a soil sample kit, nematode sample kit, plant disease diagnostic form and insect identification form can be obtained by calling the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service at 689-5850 or 729-1400 extension 5850. The Extension Service is located in Crestview at 5479 Old Bethel Road.