Status of Diagnostic Samples at UCCE Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties

With the retirement of Steve Koike on January 2, 2018, there may be some confusion regarding submission of plant samples to the UCCE Monterey County office for diagnostic services. Steve Koike addressed all plant disease samples that were submitted to our office for many years; however, a percent of the samples submitted for plant disease diagnosis were abiotic issues that were addressed by other advisors. UCCE Monterey County will continue to diagnose abiotic issues on vegetables (Richard Smith) and grapes (Larry Bettiga). Strawberry and caneberry abiotic issues should be directed to Mark Bolda at the UCCE Santa Cruz County office in Watsonville. We are willing to look at any samples you may have and can provide guidance on whether issues are biotic or need further confirmation by a plant pathology laboratory.

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