Garlic growers can submit samples, through September 2014, to Cornell Nematologist George Abawi's lab for testing using a standardized submission form. Submission is being subsidized through a Specialty Crop Block Grant, and will cost $20 per sample of garlic or soil, for NYS growers and industry reps. Growers are encouraged to sample different plantings separately, selecting 10 representative bulbs per planting per sample. Soil should be tested to a depth of 6-8 inches, and in 10+ sites through the suspect field then mixed before bagging. Make sure samples are secured against leaking or damage during  shipping. Garlic samples should be surrounded in a layer of absorbent material such as paper towel. Soil should be placed in a Zip-Loc bag and should not be dried before shipping.

If you have questions about sampling, please contact your local vegetable specialist for assistance. To send in a sample, fill out the submission form (download below) as completely as possible and mail overnight or first class with your check and your sample. You should receive results within two weeks.


Garlic Bloat Nematode & Test Form_revd Apr 2014 (pdf; 852KB)