HLB Laboratory: Procedure for Sampling and Shipping Plant Material

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Please follow the instructions below to submit citrus samples to be screened for the presence of Candidatus Liberobacter asiaticus, the causal agent of HLB.

1. Collect leaves with stems intact from live branches with fully expanded leaves. Samples should be collected from symptomatic branches if present.
2. Submit a minimum of 10 leaves. Please do not submit fruit samples.
3. Place the sample into a re-sealable plastic bag (e.g., Zip-lock), squeeze the air from the bag and seal it.
4. Assign and record on the bag a unique sample identification number (Grower’s sample ID).
5. Complete a corresponding HLB Sample Submission Form. Forms are available here. Please make sure the Sample Submission Form is complete, providing the exact sample location. We will not process samples lacking sample location and/or client information.
6. Place the form and the bagged sample into a second resealable bag. Keep samples cool (on ice) until shipment. Do not freeze the samples.
7. Samples should be submitted in person or shipped overnight either on the day collected or before noon the following day (samples will deteriorate if delayed in transit).

Please submit samples Monday through Thursday only to:

HLB Lab
2686 SR 29 N
Immokalee, Fl 34142
Phone: 239-658-3400
hlblab@ufl.edu

Additional information

Sampling Procedure:

Additional, detailed information about sampling procedures can be found here.

Sample quantity:

If you intend to submit numerous samples, please give us a call at 239-658-3400, we will be glad to coordinate the best time to process your samples. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00PM.

Results

Results will be submitted to the client in a timely manner. Results will be reported as positive, negative or inconclusive:

• A positive result indicates the presence of Candidatus Liberobacter asiaticus in the sample under our testing conditions. Positive samples will be reported to USDA-APHIS and FDACS as required by rule*.
• A negative result indicates that Candidatus Liberobacter asiaticus was NOT DETECTED in the sample under our testing conditions, but does not unequivocally indicate that the sample is free of Candidatus Liberobacter asiaticus. If an HLB sample result is negative, resubmission at a later time should be considered.
• An inconclusive result indicates that another sample should be resubmitted and retested.

*Disclaimer

As a diagnostic laboratory receiving samples and performing PCR assays to detect a Select Agent, we must abide by the requirements under the Agriculture Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 (7CFR 331). Under that legislation any unregistered diagnostic laboratory that identifies a select agent must report it to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). We will also report to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).