New Mexico Chile Task Force

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Collecting Plant/Petiole Samples

Sample those areas having different characteristics such as slope, texture and drainage capacity and past management separately. Collect separate samples for each plant species being studied.
A good sample represents the entire area from which it was taken. To evaluate an area, sub-samples should be taken from individual plants in the area and mixed into one composite sample for laboratory testing.
It is generally not practical to walk diagonally across a field to collect routine plant samples. In this case, select a spot in the field that is average of the entire field, and sample that area. When collecting repetitive samples from a field, it is vital to return to the same sample point each time.
It is also important to sample at the proper stage of growth, and to select the correct plant part. Discuss your sampling plans with the laboratory to determine the correct stage of growth and plant part to sample. The laboratory will also recommend the minimum number of leaves or petioles to comprise an adequate sample for analysis.
Avoid collecting dead, damaged or diseased plant material and prevent soil contamination of plant samples. Also try to avoid collecting leaf samples that received a foliar spray.
Samples should be placed in a clean paper bag (DO NOT use plastic bags). Deliver samples to the laboratory as soon after collection as possible. If samples cannot be delivered promptly, they should be refrigerated.
Clearly label each bag with sample identification on the outside of the bag. Include a completed sample Check-in Sheet with each submittal.
Record sample identification, and desired tests on the sample check in sheet. If critical level and sufficient range criteria are desired, also fill in the crop and stage of growth information.
Sample containers and shipping boxes are available from the Laboratory. If you have any questions regarding sampling, analysis or test results don't hesitate to call.
If samples are to be shipped, pack them tightly in a durable container to avert spillage. Do not use plastic shipping containers to prevent spoilage.