Submit a Sample

• Select plants showing various stages (early and late symptoms) of the problem.
• Choose plants or plant parts showing the area between the healthy and dead tissue.
• Send the entire plant whenever feasible. Avoid sending completely dead plants.
• Supplement physical samples with photos. Include close-up of the symptoms, entire plant and the surrounding area. Make sure that the images have good resolution and are in focus. Send photos to ndsu.pdl@ndsu.edu.

• Download the diagnostic sample submission form
• Include your contact information (address, phone and email) and the place where the sample was collected.
• Fill out as much information as you can. Do not worry about filing out every section of the form.
• Describe the problem in detail and provide additional information on the reverse side of the form.

• Wrap the plant sample loosely in dry paper towel to prevent leaves from contact with moisture.
• For samples with roots, keep some soil on the roots and wrap in a plastic bag secured with a twist tie around the base of the plant.
• Place the sample in a zippered or sealed plastic bag. Do not add water or wet paper towels to the bag.
• Use a sturdy box to mail your sample. Avoid using flat envelopes to prevent shipping damages.
• Put the submission form on its own plastic bag. Please do not put the form in the bag with the sample.

• Drop off or mail the sample as quickly as possible to the appropriate address found here.
• We recommend shipping your sample early in the week so we can receive it by Friday.
• If the sample cannot be sent immediately, keep it refrigerated. Avoid letting the sample sit in the packaging and under direct sunlight.
• If submitting both physical and digital samples, send photos to ndsu.pdl@ndsu.edu. Please include your contact information and shipping date of the physical sample.

• We will email the report once diagnosis is complete.
  • Report will be sent to the extension agent if the latter submitted the sample for the client.
  • If fees apply, the invoice will be sent along with the report.
• Most samples are completed within a few days. Other samples that requires culturing or testing can take several weeks.

Thank you!

• Each state has different testing requirements for potato seed certification.
  • In North Dakota, the NDSSD (Potato Program) is the designated authority for certification of seed potatoes. Virus testing and GMO testing is conducted by NDSSD Diagnostic Lab.
  • For out of state clients, please check first with your state's authorized agency if external lab testing is accepted. If so, please follow their sampling instructions, including size and method.

• Download the seed health and phytosanitary testing form
• Include your contact information (address, phone and email) and the place where the sample was collected, if different from your mailing address.
• Check the box for the testing requested.
  • For bacterial ring rot, please indicate if non-export (PCR only) or for export (Canadian protocol).

• Use a sturdy box to mail your sample. Please place highly perishable samples in an insulated box with ice packs.
• Put the submission form on its own plastic bag. Please do not put the form in the bag with the sample.

• Drop off or mail the sample to the appropriate address found here.
• Please ship your sample early in the week so we can receive it by Friday.
• Expedited shipping is recommended for highly perishable samples.
• If the sample cannot be sent immediately, keep it refrigerated. Please do not freeze your samples.
• If sending multiple samples, please include the spreadsheet containing the sample list and relevant information (e.g. cultivar, lot number, generation etc.). Send the spreadsheet along with the testing request form to ndsu.pdl@ndsu.edu.

• We will email the report and invoice once testing is complete.
• Turnaround times vary depending on current workload. Please submit your samples earlier in the season to get results faster.
• Some specialized testing can take several weeks (e.g. PVY testing, late blight screening).

We appreciate your continued support.