Sampling Instructions

FRUIT & FRUITLET ANALYSIS

As a general rule we require around the following quantities of these samples for laboratory analysis:
• 50 fruitlets or,
• 20 mature fruit
• 300g when whole fruit is used (strawberry etc)

Fruitlet Samples

Sampling time is very important. Send fruitlets as early as possible with a target weight of between 30-50g per fruitlet, though this will vary with variety. Select 20 trees/bushes along the sampling path and take one fruitlet from each of the north, south, east and west sides to give 4 fruitlets per tree. Mix the fruitlets thoroughly and take a random sub-sample of around 50. Place these in a Phosyn sample, label the bag and submit these for chemical analysis.

Fruit Samples

Samples should be taken within a fortnight before harvest. Parts of the crop that are known to produce fruit of different storage quality should be sampled separately. Select 20 trees/bushes along the sampling path and take one undamaged average-sized piece of fruit from each tree. If the first fruit is taken from the north side, take one from the next tree on the east, then from the south and so on. Send all 20 fruit for chemical analysis.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL SAMPLING

The reliability of the results and recommendations of analysis depends ultimately on the accuracy of the very first step, i.e. sampling.

Sampling can be considered in terms of three simple stages: -
• Taking a representative sample of soil or leaves.
• Supplying all the necessary field and background information for your samples on the Analysis request forms (particularly for problem areas).
• Correct packing and immediate despatch to the laboratory. (See Sample Packaging Available).

DO'S AND DON'TS

DO NOT sample immediately after lime or fertiliser application. The best time for soil analysis is after harvesting of the previous crop.
DO NOT allow soil contamination of leaves and shoots when sampling.
DO NOT despatch fresh plant material so that it will be in transit during a weekend or public holiday.
DO clean tools and equipment before sampling a new area.
DO provide the maximum amount of background information of problem fields.
Above all, DO make sure samples are clearly labelled.

SAMPLE PACKAGING AVAILABLE FROM THE LABORATORY

Express Post satchels (pre-paid)

Please ensure that samples are completely sealed in their individual bags prior to despatch in the Express Courier satchel. For larger scale sampling ie greater than 10 samples, please contact the laboratory to arrange courier collection.

Phosyn sample bags

Soil and plant sample bags are provided for your use and they are designed to hold the correct amount required for laboratory analysis. Carefully complete the details on the bag during the collection of samples.

Analysis request booklets

These enable all customer and sample details to be sent with the sample to enable the laboratory to log your request into our system. Carefully complete the details on the form during the collection of samples and remember to send the top WHITE copy with your samples. For larger scale sampling (i.e. more than 10 samples), please contact the laboratory prior to sampling for a customised request form.

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