Author Archives: tech

How to Sample for Oak Wilt Testing

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Oak Wilt season is rapidly approaching!  We have already seen several submissions here at the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.  However, we have seen a few submissions that weren’t adequate for Oak Wilt testing.  Here are a few pointers on how to correctly take samples from your oak tree: 1.  We need branches that are about 6 inches long and 1 to 2 inches in diameter.  We can’t do anything with twigs!  Ideally, the branches you send should be from the part of the tree that is showing symptoms of decline. 2. If… Read More →

Daylily Rust

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Daylily Rust, or Puccinia hemerocallidis, was recently diagnosed on a (you guessed it) daylily by the TPDD Lab.  This rust is a fungus that only infects daylilies, and was first identified in the U.S. in 2000.  Since it’s introduction into the States, widespread shipping of plant material throughout the country has moved the pathogen to over 30 states, including Texas! True to its name, Daylily Rust creates obvious symptoms on the leaves of the plant; the yellow to brown streaks on the surface of the plant resembles a rust like… Read More →