Testing & Identification Services
Soil Testing
How to take a Soil Test Sample? Read the publication, Taking Soil Test Samples ( AGR-16). We need 2 cups of dry soil to get accurate results. This can be brought to our office in any clean container or plastic bag. Routine soil tests are typically $7.00 (cash, card or check). Each test covers approximately 2 to 2 1/2 acres.
Why is soil testing important? Read the publication, Soil Testing: What It Is and What It Does (AGR-57), to learn more.
You will want a representative, random sample from the area you are interested in testing. Sample gardens, lawns, and landscaped areas separately. Collect cores randomly from each area. The area to sample for trees includes the soil below the width of the tree. For shrubs, flower beds, and gardens, sample just the soil where the plants are growing. You should sample problem areas and areas with shrubs, trees, or flower beds separately from other turf or lawn areas. Do not sample:
- compost areas,
- under the drip-line of trees, and
- close to driveways or streets.
Insect Identification
In order for insects to be properly identified and the best control recommendations to be made, the specimens must be in good condition and at least a minimum amount of collection information provided. Specimens that are incomplete, damaged, moldy, attached to tape, or squashed can only be identified to general groups. The better the condition of the specimen, the more precise identification and control recommendations. Place dead specimens in a secured container with an adequate amount of white vinegar for preservation. Once at our office, you will need to complete a collection information form about how the insect was causing a problem, where it was found, what it was feeding on, commercial versus home situation, and symptoms of damage is essential to identification. Providing us with preserved specimens and proper information enables us to provide appropriate management recommendations.
Submit soft-bodied insects (caterpillars, maggots, grubs, aphids, etc.) in vials that will not leak fluids using vinegar to prevent drying and decaying. White vinegar from a grocery store will work. You may use any clean container that will not leak to bring the specimen to our office. Do not use other liquids to preserve the insects. While we used alcohol in the past, the Department of Transportation is now strictly regulating the shipment of alcohol such that we cannot ship specimens for identification in alcohol.
Moth and butterfly specimens need to be sent as dry specimens. You may use any dry, clean container that will not smash the specimen to bring it to our office. Scale insects attached to plant material can also be shipped dry.
Include as many specimens as possible. Several dozen specimens of a small insect are not too many.
Many insects can be identified with a good quality photo. This saves time and money for shipping. But a blurry out of focus or poorly lit photo may result in lack of a proper identification. Here are some tips that can be used to improve photos sent for identification.
- Use the macro mode on your camera to put more of the close-up photo in the field of focus. The macro mode is often represented by a flower symbol. This increase the photo’s depth of field of focus.
- Be sure the specimen is in focus. With many cameras on cell phones, simply touching the screen where the insect is will focus the camera on that subject. You can check the focus by reviewing the photo after it is taken by zooming in on the specimen. If it is out of focus, take another photo. With point-and-shoot cameras, you may need to press the shutter button halfway down to engage the autofocus.
- Use good lighting. Dark photos make identification more difficult. Use flashes, lamps, or other types of lighting to remove shadows on the subject.
- Try to fill the frame with the specimen. Get the camera as close to the specimen as possible while maintaining sharp focus.
- Photograph the specimen from different angles. This will help us make an identification as some characteristics can be seen from certain angles. Top and bottom shots are very helpful! Take pictures of specimens that may be in different stages.
- Include a size reference. Use a ruler or coin next to the specimen to provide a helpful scale to judge size.
- Photograph the damage or situation if appropriate.
- Save the specimen. Not all specimens can be identified by photos, we may need you to send in the specimen.
Samples from humans, companion animals, and/or livestock
SAMPLES FROM HUMANS, COMPANION ANIMALS, AND/OR LIVESTOCK ARE NOT ACCEPTED. THIS INCLUDES:
- Samples of and/or containing body fluids (urine, blood, etc.), tissues (scabs, skin, etc.), or waste suspected of being infested.
- Live specimens. Place dead specimens in a secured container with an adequate amount of white vinegar for preservation.
Hay & Forage Testing
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) continues to offer a forage testing service, which provides nutritional value information. This service is eligible for Kentucky producers only. If you grow hay in Kentucky or buy hay and live in Kentucky, you qualify for this service. They do not test corn silage. More information on the program can be found here.
Forage Sample Analysis Request Form
Please note that payment to the KDA must be submitted with samples. Make check or money order payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer". The cost is $10.00 per sample. Do not send cash.
Plant Disease Diagnosis
A fresh, representative sample is critical for diagnosis. Follow these general guidelines:
- Collect whole plant samples when possible, including roots.
- Always dig plants to keep root systems intact and soil in place around the roots. Small roots are often needed for diagnosis and they may be left behind if plants are pulled rather than dug.
- If only part of a plant is collected, such as detached leaves or branches, describe the symptoms and location of affected parts clearly (e.g., young vs. older leaves, one side of plant, etc.).
- Choose several plants showing a range of symptoms, especially those in the early stages of the problem. Diagnosis may not be possible if plants are completely dead.
- Include pictures of the problem area whenever possible.
- Do not expose samples to extreme heat or cold (such as leaving them inside a vehicle) and collect samples early in the week to avoid holding them over the weekend.
Read this publication, Submitting Plant Specimens for Disease Diagnosis (PPFS-GEN-09), to learn more.
Once samples have been collected properly, deliver them to the Hopkins County Extension office as soon after collection as possible. Growers should not mail samples directly to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Be prepared to complete a Plant Disease Identification Form with the information gathered from the site. In some cases, one of our Extension Agents can diagnose the problem on site. If necessary, we will ship samples to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Lexington, KY.
Information about the plant, planting site, and symptoms can be as important as the physical plant material collected. Key questions to ask include:
- What kind of plant is it? Indicate the variety, cultivar, or whether the plant is a hybrid. If plant’s identity is unknown, sending a healthy plant (or picture of a healthy plant) for comparison may be helpful.
- What is the age of the plant or the planting date? Be as specific as possible with annual crops. A general time frame (e.g., month and year) is often sufficient for trees and shrubs, but do indicate whether the plant has been recently transplanted or is well-established.
- What has been done to care for the crop/plant? Include information on tillage, irrigation, fertilizer and pesticides, mulches, and other cultural practices.
- What is the weather history (e.g., drought, flood, hail, lightning, frost)? Also note any site disturbances, such as nearby construction, utility work, etc.
- What are the symptoms? Describe the problem. Take time to examine the entire plant and determine the specific location of symptoms on the plant. Note anything unusual that may not be visible on the physical sample. For example, check tree trunks for wounds or for mechanical injuries. Are there any mushrooms or other fungal fruiting bodies associated with tree trunk or surface roots?
- When did symptoms first appear? Did they appear suddenly or progress (worsen) gradually?
- Where are the affected plants? Indicate the type of production system (e.g., field, greenhouse, landscape, etc.). Also note the terrain involved, such as whether the problem is in a low wet area, on a dry slope, etc.
- How much of the crop/plant is affected? Is a single plant showing symptoms, or are scattered plants, group(s) of plants or the entire planting affected? Are plants of different types showing the same symptoms? Look for any patterns.
Weed, Woody Plant & Wildflower Identification
Collect as much of the plant as possible (roots, leaves, stems, flowers, etc.).
DO NOT:
- add water or wrap the sample in a damp towel
- expose samples to extreme heat or cold (such as leaving them inside a vehicle) and collect samples early in the week to avoid holding them over the weekend
Once samples have been collected properly, deliver them to our office as soon after collection as possible. Growers should not mail samples directly to the laboratory. Be prepared to complete a Weed Identification Form with the information gathered from the site. In some cases, one of our Extension Agents can identify the plant. If necessary, we will ship samples to the Weed Science Herbarium.
