Submitting Turf Samples for Diagnosis

We want to let you know that Purdue University, including the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab, will be closed for Winter Recess December 23rd through January 2nd. Mail will not be delivered to our lab during this period. Samples arriving after Thursday, December 19th may be placed in cold storage and processed beginning January 3rd. Please plan any sample submissions accordingly. Please consider shipping via FedEx or UPS overnight, which arrive at our building on time. USPS shipments are delivered to our lab a day after they arrive at university central receiving.

Happy Holidays!

 

Please print out the Physical Sample Submission Form (PPDL-5-W) add information and mail in with your sample.
Important: When sending both a physical sample and photos for diagnosis please note this in the Additional Information area on both the physical form and the photo form so that you will not be charged twice for the same sample.

 

Note: Most samples are completed in 3 days. If you have not received a report please check your spam/junk folder for your report from email address pdisnoreply@ksu.edu and mark it as safe.

Contact Us

Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory
Purdue University
915 Mitch Daniels Boulevard, LSPS 116
West Lafayette IN 47907-2054
Email: turf-samples@purdue.edu​
Voice: 765-494-7071

Map to Lab



 

Submit Samples
PPDL Home

How to collect and submit samples

Sampling

  • Collect samples early in the week, especially if sending by mail.
  • Take plugs from the outer margins of affected areas, including 2/3 symptomatic turf and 1/3 healthy turf.
  • Take plugs at least 4-6 inches across with a cup cutter, knife, or shovel to a depth of 3-4 inches or to the extent of the root zone. 
  • If possible, send two total plugs per sample.

Shipping

  • Wrap each plug completely in aluminum foil (preferred) or newspaper to stabilize. 
  • Do not place the samples in plastic bags. Do not add wet paper towels or excess moisture to the packages. This can lead to proliferation of non-pathogens and increased sample decay during transit. 
  • Place the samples in a cardboard box and pack them tightly with newspaper or other packing materials. 
  • Please fill out the form completely and legibly. Pack the form in the box such that it will not get wet or damaged. 

 

Turf sample Good turf packaging prior to sealing aluminum.
wrapped turf package Wrapped turf sample in aluminum ready to ship.

Mailing

  • Take the sample on the same day you intend to mail it. 
  • Avoid exposing the sample to excess heat (i.e. closed vehicle on a hot day). 
  • Mail early in the week to avoid weekend delays in shipping. 
  • Use first-class mail. A next-day service or in-person delivery is the best way to ensure the sample arrives in good condition. 

Photos

  • Photos are required with each submission. Please email to turf-samples@purdue.edu.
  • While close up photos can be useful on occasion, the best photos show the pattern of damage from eye level across the area. 
  • All photos submitted become the property of the PPDL and may be used for training purposes or publications.

Drop-off hours are Monday – Friday, 8 am - Noon and 1 - 5 pm. If door is locked place sample on table outside LSPS room 116 with this completed form. See PPDL website for map to lab. Metered parking spot is available. Call 765-494-7071 with any questions/problems.

 

Turf Submission Form PPDL-5-W Turf Submission Form
turf picture guide Turf Pictures for Diagnosis

Fees

Non-Commercial Turf - $11 per sample ($22 out-of-state)

   (Homeowner Samples)

Commercial Turf - $25 per sample ($100 out-of-state)

   (Golf Course, Sports Field, Sod Farm, Commercial Lawn Care)

 

We accept payment in the form of cash, money orders, or personal checks.

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS OUT TO PURDUE UNIVERSITY 
We do not accept credit card payments.

 

Diagnostic responses are sent by email (or by US mail or fax upon request).

There will be no additional sample handling fee for any follow-up samples that might be requested by diagnosticians who require additional samples for a more accurate identification or diagnosis of the problem. Additional fees related to advanced testing for viruses and bacteria may be charged for follow-up samples.

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