SOP No. EM-07 Page 1 of 4 

Collection of Vegetation Samples 

Revision: #10 Replaces: 2/19/14 version Effective: 9/3/19

1. Purpose and Scope: Vegetation samples are collected to measure the amount of pesticide

present on or in plants. Residue information can be used to evaluate risks to human health if the

vegetation is edible, or to wildlife susceptible to exposure from contaminated plants. This SOP

describes how to collect, handle, and store vegetation samples. Vegetation sampling and

documentation instructions found in the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) supersede

instructions contained in this SOP.

2. Supplies Required: To request sampling supplies, contact the monitoring supplies 

coordinators, Lisa Mosser (305) 278 4902, or Richard King (305) 278 2905, Center for Plant 

Health Science and Technology, Miami, or email the Environmental Monitoring Supplies 

Checklist to lisa.k.mosser@usda.gov or richard.a.king@usda.gov.

3. 2.1 pruning shears or large scissors 

2.2 mattock or pick (for collecting root or tubers) 

2.3 garden rake or potato digger (for collecting submerged aquatic plants) 

2.4 foil lined envelopes 

2.5 strapping tape 

2.6 12" x 12" resealable plastic bags

2.7 field log book 

2.8 ice chest with wet, dry, or reusable ice packs (obtain locally)

2.9 environmental monitoring forms (APHIS Form 2060) 

2.10 indelible marker

2.11 aluminum foil

2.12 disposable gloves 

2.13 sanitary wipes
SOP No. EM-07 Page 2 of 4 

Collection of Vegetation Samples 

Revision: #9 Replaces: 2/19/14 version Effective: 9/3/19

3. Collecting Above-Ground Vegetation: This sample consists of either: leaves, grasses, fruits,

grains, or seeds. Do not mix types of vegetation in a single sample. Collect samples from the

portion of a plant most likely to have been (or to be) exposed to the pesticide.

3.1 While wearing disposable gloves, use the pruning shears or scissors to cut 

off the portion of the plant to be sampled. 

3.2 Place the vegetation into a foil lined envelope. If a fruit is too large to fit 

into the foil envelope, then wrap it in aluminum foil and place it into a 12"x 12" 

resealable plastic bag.

3.3 Repeat steps 3.1 and 3.2 until the foil lined envelope is filled to about two 

inches from the top. 

3.4 Fold over the top of the envelope twice and seal with strapping tape. 

Using the indelible marker, label the sealed envelope with a unique identifier or 

code such that the information matches the sample documentation. Also record 

on the envelope the type of vegetation sampled, sampling site, and date. 

3.5 Place the sample into the ice chest to keep it chilled until it can be 

transported to a freezer for storage until shipping. 

3.6 Clean and decontaminate the pruning shears or scissors between each 

sample collection using fresh wipes.

4. Collecting Roots or Tubers:

4.1 Contact the Environmental Compliance Team (Michael K. Hennessey or 

Kai Caraher), to discuss the procedure and purpose for the collection of 

subsurface plant parts. 

4.2 Dig up roots or tubers with the pick. While wearing disposable gloves, shake off 

as much of the attached soil as possible. 

4.3 Place the roots or tubers into a heavy foil envelope. If necessary, cut roots to 

lengths short enough to fit into the envelope. 

4.4 Repeat steps 4.1 and 4.2 until the foil envelope is filled to about two 

inches from the top. 

4.5 Fold over the top of the envelope twice and seal with strapping tape. 

Using the indelible marker, label the sealed envelope with a unique identifier or 
SOP No. EM-07 Page 3 of 4 

Collection of Vegetation Samples 

Revision: #10 Replaces: 2/19/14 version Effective: 9/3/19

code such that the information matches the sample documentation. Also record 

on the envelope the type of vegetation sampled, sampling site, and date. 

4.6 Place the sample into the ice chest to keep it chilled until it can be 

transported to a freezer for storage until shipping. 

4.7 Clean attached soil from the collection pick using water and then 

decontaminate with fresh wipes between each sample collection.

5. Collecting Submerged Aquatic Plants:

5.1 Contact the Environmental Compliance Team to discuss the procedure and 

purpose for the collection of submerged plant parts. 

5.2 Using a potato digger or a garden rake, pull out submerged parts of aquatic plants. 

While wearing disposable gloves, shake the plants to remove excess water.

5.3 Place the plants into a heavy foil envelope. If necessary, cut plants into 

segments small enough to fit into the envelope. 

5.4 Repeat steps 5.1 and 5.2 until the foil envelope is filled to about two 

inches from the top. 

5.5 Fold over the top of the envelope twice and seal with strapping tape. 

Using the indelible marker, label the sealed envelope with a unique identifier or 

code such that the information matches the sample documentation. Also record 

on the envelope the type of vegetation sampled, sampling site, and date. 

5.6 Place the sample into the ice chest to keep it chilled until it can be 

transported to a freezer for storage until shipping. 

5.7 Clean extraneous plant material from the digger or rake and then 

decontaminate using fresh wipes.

6. Documentation. A thorough description of the type of vegetation collected is important

because it affects how the residue data is interpreted.

6.1 Record all observations in the field log book (see SOP EM-12, Using a Field Log 

Book). Draw a site map, including an approximate scale and North arrow, 

showing the location of the sample collection site and its relation to the treatment 

site and any nearby sensitive sites. A topographical map or aerial photograph 
SOP No. EM-07 Page 4 of 4 

Collection of Vegetation Samples 

Revision: #10 Replaces: 2/19/14 version Effective: 9/3/19

annotated with the required information should be provided if possible, as well as 

photographs or a video of the sample collection site. Global positioning system 

(GPS) coordinates of the site should be included. Describe or identify the type or 

species of the plant collected (common or scientific names). Be sure to record the 

part of the plant collected (e.g. leaves, fruit, stems, seeds, roots), and the location 

on the plant from which the sample was taken (e.g. top, bottom, edge). Describe 

the height and density of any vegetation in the area between the treatment site and 

the sample collection site

6.2 Complete an APHIS Form 2060 for each vegetation sample. 

6.3 Retain the pink copy of Form 2060 for your records and distribute the 

remaining copies as specified in the EMP.

7. Packaging and Shipping:

7.1 Package and ship the vegetation samples as described in SOP EM-17, 

Packaging and Shipping of Samples.