Diagnosing plant growth problems : services available through the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division & N.C. Cooperative Extension.

I plants involved and a complete description of symptoms. For current forms, visit www. ncaar.gov/aaronomi/forms.htm. • When submitting samples for different kinds of tests, mention this on each information form. For example, if you are sending soil and nematode samples to the Agronomic Division and another sample from the same problem area to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at N.C. State University, make a note on each sample information form indicating that matching samples related to the same problem have been sent to other laboratories for other types of tests. • Since problem sample shipments usually include plant tissue samples that require prompt attention, it is best to send the samples to the Plant/Waste/Solution/Media Section. Likewise, if a shipment contains nematode and soil samples, address it to the Nematode Assay Section. • Write “Problem Samples” prominently on the outside of the shipping container. Receiving agronomic reports The Agronomic Division gives priority to problem samples. Specialists review test results and provide comments on how best to manage the problem identified. Completed reports are posted online and remain available for about three fiscal years. Select the Find Your Report (PALS) link on the Agronomic Division home page to access the report-search utility. North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Steve Troxler, Commissioner of Agriculture Agronomic Division Colleen M. Hudak-Wise, Ph.D., Director www.ncaar.aov/aaronomi/ (919) 733-2655 Mailing Address 1040 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC 27699-1040 Physical Address [DHL, FedEx, UPS] 4300 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh NC 27607-6465 For more information on sampling, interpreting agronomic reports or implementing recommendations , contact the regional agronomist assigned to your county. www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/rahome.htm Agronomic Sampling Folder No. 3 revised April 2014 Diagnosing , Plant Growth Problems: V Services available through the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division 81 N.C. Cooperative Extension For help diagnosing a plant growth problem, your first step should be to contact your county Cooperative Extension office. Locations and contact information are available online at www. ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=countvcenters. Extension agriculture or horticulture agents can identify the more common problems and/or recommend appropriate specialists or testing services. If necessary, an extension agent can submit samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at N.C. State University. If you or your county agent suspect that the problem is primarily a nutrient issue, the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division offers several diagnostic tests that can help pinpoint the exact cause. Nutrient problems are best identified through a combination of soil testing and plant tissue analysis. In some cases, other agronomic tests — nematode assay, waste analysis, solution analysis or soilless media analysis — may also be appropriate. Diagnosing nutrient problems The best way to troubleshoot plant nutrient problems is to submit plant tissue samples with matching soil samples for diagnostic analysis. Matching samples — plant tissue and soil from both good and poor areas — make it possible to compare nutrient levels in the soil with nutrient levels in the plant. Test results