Broom's Barn Applied Crop Sciences
Plant Clinic
Advisory handouts (in PDF format for downloading)
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The services of the Plant Clinic are available to all growers and crop advisers within the UK for diagnosing problems with their sugar beet, although we ask that growers consult their adviser first before contacting Broom's Barn. Samples may be brought in or sent through the post. On arrival, after an initial inspection the Plant Clinic manager decides which of the specialists should examine the plants. For help in diagnosis there is, amongst the staff at Broom's Barn, expertise in pests, diseases, weeds + herbicides, and agronomic problems.
A few other limited services are available, e.g. insect and weed identification, testing soil pH. Measurement of free-living nematode populations in soil is not done routinely or on request, but only if there is a strong suspicion that the pest could be responsible for the poor growth of plants sent to the Clinic. However, all services associated with the Clinic are free. Occasionally, the Clinic manager or a specialist may travel to see problems in the field.
In the majority of cases we are able to reach a diagnosis and, if appropriate, offer advice in alleviating the problem. However, even where a diagnosis is not possible, we try our best to be of help. If you intend to send a sample please supply as many details as possible to help us reach a diagnosis. Forms to accompany samples can be downloaded to your computer using the option above. If sending samples through the post we make the following suggestions :
- Generally, it is best to wrap plant material in moist, but not wet, paper. However, in very hot weather this may accelerate the deterioration of the plant tissue, leaves particularly, and then it may be advisable to send plant samples in a dry state.
- Small samples are usually sent in padded envelopes; large samples should be wrapped securely.
- Parcels containing samples should be addressed to 'the Plant Clinic' rather than an individual specialist, in case that person is off site. Our address is Broom's Barn Research Centre, Higham, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6NP
- If possible, soil should be sent with plants so that we can test its pH, search for pests, examine it for structural problems etc.
For further information about the Clinic contact Kathy Bean (email : kathy.bean@bbsrc.ac.uk or tel : 01284 812238 / 07790 778 139)
