Statewide Strawberry Diagnostic Clinic
The first step in controlling and managing strawberry diseases is identifying the cause of such problems. Therefore, effective disease management relies on careful diagnosis. In collaboration with the California Strawberry Commission, the University of California Cooperative Extension office in Monterey County is setting up a diagnostic program to assist growers, field personnel, PCA’s and others in the strawberry industry. Farm Advisor Steve Koike and his team are increasing their work with strawberry diseases and will provide diagnostic services to strawberry growers throughout the state. The primary intent of this effort is to assist the industry in the identification of such problems. In addition, this diagnostic program will hopefully provide information (disease trends, disease distributions, isolates) that can be used by other researchers, identify serious disease outbreaks as they occur, and recognize new problems that might develop.

The following guidelines are suggested for submitting samples:

1. Collecting the sample
• Collect representative examples of the problem of concern.
• In general, the “more is better” rule applies. We recommend the following minimum numbers for samples:

12 to 15 symptomatic flowers,
10 to 12 symptomatic leaves,
10 to 12 symptomatic fruit,
4 to 5 entire plants (for plant collapse symptoms).
(For plant collapse and root rot problems, we must receive intact plants along with root ball + soil).

• Place samples in plastic bags; keep bags cool and out of the sun.
• Label the bag (or attach labels) with your name, phone number, strawberry cultivar, ranch location, and other pertinent information.
• If samples come from different ranches or locations, be sure to put samples in separate bags so they can be tested separately.
• Samples can be refrigerated overnight if necessary.

2. Delivering the sample
• If you are within reasonable driving distance to our lab in Salinas, it is best to collect the sample and then deliver it to our office on the same day. Otherwise, refrigerate the sample overnight, and deliver it to our lab the next day.
• If you are further away, then we highly recommend that you send the sample to us via overnight carrier.

3. Delivery/Mailing address
Steven Koike
University of California Cooperative Extension
1432 Abbott Street
Salinas, CA 93901
Telephone 831-759-7350

4. Sample Form
Include a completed copy of the sample form. (Spanish sample form).

For a printable copy of these directions click here for English or Spanish.

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