Plant Tissue Testing
By Seth J. Epler
Plant tissue testing is a valuable tool to use for understanding our plants in the middle of the season. Fertrell works with Waypoint Analytical (out of Leola, Pa) for our soil and tissue testing services. According to them, “One of the most important factors affecting crop quality and yield is the nutrient status of the plant…or the flow of nutrients to the plant tissues during the growing season.” This is where pulling a plant tissue sample for testing can be valuable.
Tissue tests can be used when we know something is negatively occurring, but we cannot pinpoint exactly what is the culprit. Also, some folks will tissue test even when things are good, just to confirm the nutrient status is where they want it to be. Waypoint also explains that “Nutrient status is an “unseen” factor in plant growth, except when imbalances become so severe that visual symptoms appear on the plant. Determination of plant nutrient status requires precise laboratory analysis of plant tissue during the growing season.” Testing through the lab can give us a deeper look into the nutrient deficiencies that may be occurring. Or it could rule out certain deficiencies and show that there are environmental or disease issues causing the problems. And that can lead to a clearer picture of what the crops might need for successful and continued growth.
Through Waypoint’s tissue test, “Depending on package, a plant tissue analysis from Waypoint Analytical can identify the nutrient status of the following elements: Nitrogen, Sulfur, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Aluminum, Manganese, Boron, Copper, and Zinc.” This can help give the overall view of where the plant’s nutrients are. And when we take the information from our soil tests, along with the tissue sample information, we really are getting a better look at what is in our soils and how much of it is available to the plants themselves.
Fertrell will gladly provide the tissue sample bags and forms. All plant tissue samples, and soil samples, should be sent directly to Waypoint Analytical in Leola, Pennsylvania. DO NOT SEND THEM TO FERTRELL! Please send all plant tissue and soil samples for testing directly to the laboratory
Waypoint Analytical
280 Newport Rd
Leola, Pa 17540
(717-656-9326) or (800-464-0910)
It is also very important to fill out the form when sending in tissue and soil samples for testing. Please fill out the form with all of your grower information. And please make sure to legibly put your full name, address, phone number, and email if applicable. The forms must say invoiced to Fertrell and have all the grower information filled out, or we will not know who it belongs to.
Basically, you just want to get some of the leaves into a clean container to get them sent out to the lab. “Generally, two cups of lightly packed material provides a sufficient amount to conduct an analysis……Also, comparing samples from both a “good” and a “bad” area often helps in determining corrective action…..If the specific sampling guidelines are not given, collect recently mature leaves from 10 plants.” I would recommend calling the lab directly for any questions on how to pull a tissue sample for a specific crop. The folks at Waypoint are very helpful and experienced.
When shipping samples out, it is important to keep the leaves clean and dry. If they have mildew on them, the tests will not be accurate. “Either air dry samples for one day or ship as soon as possible in paper bags to allow a degree of drying in transit….Never ship samples on a Friday. Keep samples in a cool, dry environment until they can be shipped to the lab ensuring one-day delivery Monday thru Friday when lab staff is present to receive samples.” Again, I would recommend calling Waypoint Analytical directly with any questions on pulling and shipping a plant tissue sample.
If there is ever a time when you’re having issues and cannot pinpoint what the problem is, think about pulling a tissue sample. This is another great tool on the belt to help with continued success throughout the growing season, Better Naturally with Fertrell!
