Turf Disease Diagnostics,
Insect Diagnostics & Nematode Assay
Turf Diagnostic Form 
Contact:
Turf Diseases/Nematodes:
Dr. Robert Wick, (413) 545-1045, rwick@pltpath.umass.edu
M. Bess Dicklow, (413) 545-3209, mbdicklo@umext.umass.edu
Turf Weeds:
Randy Prostak, (413) 577-1738, rprostak@umext.umass.edu
Turf Insects:
UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, (413) 545-3208
Turfgrass ID:
UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, (413) 545-3208
Contact the appropriate individual listed above before sending a sample
to ensure that someone will be available to examine your specimen. Please
avoid Friday samples; Friday samples will not be examined until Monday
which can lead to deterioration of the sample. If you mail the sample,
use an express delivery service such as UPS, Federal Express, or next day
mail. You must include a completed Turf
Diagnostic Form. The
information you record on the form may be more important to the diagnosis
than the sample itself, so please be comprehensive. Upon reaching a conclusion,
the lab will call you and send, fax, or e-mail a detailed report including
cultural and chemical management measures.
Guidelines for Collecting & Packaging Turf Specimens:
Please submit samples based on the following guidelines for turf diseases,
turf insects, turf nematode assay and turfgrass identification.
Turf Disease Specimens:
1. Collecting a sample for turf disease diagnosis: A
4 to 6 inch diameter sample from the "leading edge" of a problem
is most useful. Include roots and soil to a depth of at least 2 inches
and foliage showing a range of symptoms. Do not send smaller samples or
samples collected with a soil probe. Sample from areas where the problem
is active or increasing. The pathogen is most likely to be found at the
leading edge of a patch area. Samples should include both healthy and affected
grass. Try to choose an area that is typical of the problem.
2. Packaging the sample: Keep the sample moist and cool,
but do not add water or seal tightly in plastic. Avoid soil and moisture
on the grass. Wet or soiled grass will deteriorate and make diagnosis impossible.
Wrap the sample in several layers of newspaper and pack it snugly in a
sturdy box. This keeps the soil from getting on top of the plants and obscuring
the disease symptoms. If you suspect an unusual problem, take a sample
before spraying any fungicides. It is often difficult to make an accurate
diagnosis after a fungicide has been applied.
3. Fill out the Turf
Diagnostic Form. Be
as complete as possible. Include complete name and mailing address.
Photos of the problem are extremely helpful. Remember that accurate
diagnosis requires both a representative sample and sufficient
information about the cultural practices and environmental conditions
associated with the disease problem.
Turf Samples for Nematode Assay:
1. Collection of soil samples: Nematode populations are
estimated most accurately with a composite sample. Use a 3/4 to 1 inch
diameter soil probe, or something similar, and sample to a depth of four
inches throughout the site. This depth is a compromise but represents the
population distribution of different species fairly well.
- When damage is evident: If
a portion of the turf appears unhealthy, collect 15 to 20 subsamples
from throughout the affected area and bulk them. For comparison,
a composite sample should also be taken from an adjacent, healthy
appearing area.
- When no damage is evident: An
entire green can be sampled by collecting 30 or 40 samples and
combining them as one. However, if portions of the green have had
a prior history of being weak, sample throughout the area collecting
about 20 samples. Keep notes about where you sampled so you can
return at a later date and sample the same general area.
2. Packaging the sample: The soil (at least 1/2 pint)
should be placed in a container, such as a plastic bag, to prevent
desiccation. Do not add water to the sample. Clearly identify the sample
number on the outside of the container. Paper tags placed in contact
with the soil deteriorate quickly. Do not subject the
soil to high temperatures. After collection, refrigerate or deliver
as soon as possible. The "before noon" deliveries seem to work
very well. Mark the box, "Plant Material - Perishable. Refrigerate
on Delivery." Include a completed Turf
Diagnostic Form.
Turf Insect Specimens:
Fill out the Turf
Diagnostic Form as
completely as possible. Grubs and other soft-bodied insects should
be placed in 70% ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol is not ideal, but may
work). Other insects must be carefully packaged. Do not place loose
insects into envelopes for mailing, as the automatic process for handling
mail will most likely destroy the specimens.
Turf Weed or Turfgrass ID Specimens:
Fill out the Turf
Diagnostic Form as
completely as possible. Collect the whole plant, including the roots
if possible, and select the healthiest plants available. Wrap roots
in a wet paper towel. Place plant in a zip-lock or freezer bag and
seal with some air in the bag in order to prevent crushing. Place bag
in a sturdy box or envelope for mailing.
Turf Diagnostic Form
Guidelines for Sending Specimens:
If possible, hand carry the sample
to the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab.
If you mail the sample, use an express delivery service that will
deliver directly to the lab rather than the University Mail Room. U.S.
Postal Service Priority Mail and next day delivery packages go to the
the University distribution system and are delayed by a day or more.
UPS and Federal Express Express Delivery are best. Please DO NOT use Federal Express "First
Delivery" because they arrive before our offices open (before
8 a.m.).
Diagnostic Fees (payment payable to University of
Massachusetts):
- Turf Disease Analysis - $75
- Turf Nematode Assay - $75
- Turf Insect ID - $25
- Turf Weed ID - $25
- Turfgrass ID - $25
Address packages to:
UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab
Holdsworth Natural Resources Center, 160 Holdsworth Way
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-9285
(413) 545-3208 - fax (413) 545-4385
Use exact address to ensure delivery.
For further information, visit:
The UMass Extension
Turf Team
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