‘What’s wrong with my plant?’

This is a question I get a lot, sometimes multiple times a day. Plant problems range from spots on the leaves of an azalea to limbs dying on giant oaks with everything in between.

Many times if these issues are spotted early enough they can be treated or even prevented during the next growing season. Often, I can diagnose a plant problem by looking at pictures or seeing a sample of the affected plant but, there are times when I have to contact the specialists.

When a plant disease needs to be diagnosed, I contact the U of A Division of Agriculture Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab. The scientists at the lab can screen plant samples for various issues including insect infestation, bacteria diseases, viral diseases, and fungal infections. Once the specimen is properly diagnosed, the diagnostic lab can come up with a prognosis and treatment plan for the plan. One of the best things about this service is that it is free to Arkansas residents.

So, when spring comes around and your plants start to bloom, keep an eye out for signs of disease. These signs can include yellowing or browning of leaves, spots on leaves, spots on fruit/ flowers or branches dying. Essentially, if the plant isn’t thriving and you think there is an issue give us a call or bring a sample by.

The best practice for bringing in a sample is to cut off part of the affected plant that includes leaves or fruiting bodies that are affected but still alive, the fresher the sample the better.

If the sample can’t be brought to the office right away it can be put into the refrigerator for preservation. It is also a good idea to bring the sample in early in the week so that it can get the lab quickly. If your lawn is looking sick you can bring a turf sample that is about 4-by-6 inches (the size of a piece of bread) that includes roots and blades. Here at the office we will get some information from you and once the diagnosis is complete you will receive the results via email or letter.

This simple process can be very beneficial to any resident interested in having the healthiest plants possible.

As always, if you have any questions please contact me at the Saline County Extension office 501-303-5672 or via email nnichols@uaex. edu. Check out the Saline County Extension Facebook page as well.