War of the Roses: A Case Study In Plant Pathology - Appendix A - Case Study Collection - National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science

PLANT PROBLEM CLINIC STATE UNIVERSITY Anywhere, USA		Laboratory ID Number ___________________
Name ____________________________________ Address __________________________________ City ____________________________________ State __________ ZIP Code ________________ Phone _______________ FAX _______________ Completed by: ___________________________		County __________________________________ Date Collected __________________________ Date Submitted __________________________ Grower type ___ Residential ___ Commercial
Plant Problem Diagnosis Name of plant ____________________________ Cultivar/Variety _________________________ Soil for nematode assay enclosed ___ Yes ___ No Soil for pH and nutrient analysis enclosed ___ Yes ___ No Tissue specifically for tissue nutrient analysis enclosed ___ Yes ___ No Planting date or age of plant ____________________________ Plant height __________________________________________ Acreage or Number of Plants ___________________________ Previous crop ________________________________________
Location of planting __ home grounds __ garden __ greenhouse __ nursery __ field __ orchard __ indoors __ other	Plant Part affected __ roots __ stems __ leaves/needles __ twigs/branches __ trunk __ buds __ fruit __ flowers __ pods __ seeds __ entire plant	Symptoms __ spot __ rot __ blight __ wilt __ dieback __ abnormal growth __ canker __ stunting __ galls/swellings __ burn/scorch __ yellowing __ defoliation __ mosaic __ other	Degree of injury __ slight __ moderate __ severe Distribution of problem __ single plant __ scattered plants __ localized area __ large area __ every plant
Development of problem __ sudden __ gradual Soil Texture __ artificial mix __ clay __ sand __ loam	Rainfall __ below normal __ normal __ above normal Irrigation (watering) __ yes __ no	Drainage __ poor __ fair __ good __ extensive	Lighting __ full shade __ morning shade __ afternoon shade __ full sun
Chemical applied to this crop
Fertilizer: What ______________ When ___________ Rate ______________ Fungicide: What _______________ When ___________ Rate ______________ Herbicide: What _______________ When ___________ Rate ______________ Insecticide: What _____________ When ___________ Rate ______________ Nematicide: What ______________ When ___________ Rate ______________ Other: What ___________________ When ___________ Rate ______________
Suspected Diagnosis___________________________________________________________ Additional Comments__________________________________________________________
SAMPLING GUIDELINES are listed below. If you have questions, please consult with your local county Extension agent. Attach additional information as needed.

Plant Problem Sample

Select as much recently affected plant tissue as possible but if there appears to be a progression of symptoms include examples of this progression. Material that has been dead for some time is often useless for diagnosis. Do not wash samples since this may remove pathogen structures and encourage growth of secondary organisms. If possible, send photographs of the diseased plant(s). Submission of healthy samples for comparison is encouraged. Plastic bags are ideal for use in mailing most plant samples, as they prevent drying. Never add moisture, such as wet paper towels, as this encourages growth of secondary microorganisms and may lead to sample decay and incorrect diagnosis. Keep samples cool but not frozen before mailing. Use mailing containers that prevent crushing of samples.

It is important to include date of sample collection and date mailed. This information, along with a complete description of the problem, is needed so that damage or contamination of the sample during transit will not be confused with the real problem.

LEAF SPOTS: Collect at least 6-12 leaves representing all stages of infection or progression of symptoms. For plants with small leaves, cut off a branch with leaves intact.

FRUITS OR FLESHY ORGANS: Wipe off excess moisture and wrap fruits individually in dry paper towels or newspaper and place in a plastic bag. Avoid packing fruit showing advanced stages of rot: select early stages of infection or damage.

STEM LESIONS, DIEBACKS, CANKERS, AND GALLS: Select branches with active lesions or young galls. Cut branch or twigs to include the margin between the healthy and affected area. Dead branches and twigs are undesirable for diagnosis.

TURFGRASS SAMPLES: Cut out blocks of turfgrass (6 x 6 inches) at the margin of the affected and healthy areas in the lawn. Submit soil from healthy and infected areas in separate plastic bags for nematode assay and in soil boxes for pH and fertility analysis.

VIRUS SYMPTOMS: Ring spots, mosaic patterns, and distorted new growth are common symptoms of diseases caused by viruses. The whole plant should be submitted when practical. Samples should be sent by overnight delivery for virus assays.

PLANTS EXHIBITING WILTING, YELLOWING AND GENERAL DECLINE: Carefully dig up and submit entire plant if possible. Place soil and roots in one plastic bag, then place another bag over the top of the plant. In the case of large trees and shrubs, submit a branch or part of the plant showing typical symptoms in a plastic bag. Various sized roots, specifically fine fibrous ones, should be submitted with soil in a plastic bag for fungal isolations. Roots showing healthy and damaged areas are preferred. Severely rotted roots alone may be overcome with secondary invaders, which can mask the primary cause of the problem. Submit container-grown plants with a plastic bag over the top. Submit one quart of soil in a plastic bag for nematode assay. A full soil box full is needed to test for soluble salts, nutrient imbalances, and unfavorable pH values. If a soiless medium is involved, one quart of this medium is required.

APPENDIX Afor"War of the Roses"

Plant Problem Sample

APPENDIX A
for
"War of the Roses"