Note: The first soybean rust sample found in Delaware must be sent to the Plant Diagnostic Clinic at the University of Delaware, must be verified, and confirmation will come from the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Confidentiality will be maintained.

Examine plants carefully, especially lower leaves in low lying areas and select leaves showing a range of symptoms from mild to severe.

Select enough material to work with, for example 8 to 10 leaves. Try to collect a sample prior to the application of any pesticides; sporulation may be best in the morning or under high humidity.

Place the sample between dry paper towels in a zip lock plastic bag. Then place sample in a second, clean zip lock bag and label the outside with a name and date written in permanent marker.

Refrigerate the sample until shipped, or store in a cool location out of direct sunlight.

Use a "Plant Diagnostic Clinic Form" which may be printed from this web site, or picked up at any County Extension office. The form should accompany the sample, inside the outer plastic bag. Include as much information as possible, including exact location, with crossroads and GPS coordinates. Contact your local county agent for assistance.

Call 302-831-1390 to alert the diagnosticians that a sample is on the way or e-mail bobmul@udel.edu or ngregory@udel.edu . Seal the package well. Ship the sample as soon as possible or bring it to the nearest County Extension office, or bring to:
UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic
151 Townsend Hall
Department of Plant & Soil Sciences
531 South College Avenue
Newark , DE 19716-2170