Press leaves between cardboard so they will not crumble. It is usually not possible to diagnose marginal burning or other injury symptoms on leaves. Rots of fleshy fruits and vegetables need special attention. Do not send those in advanced stages of decay. Select fresh specimens showing early symptoms.
Place specimens in plastic bag.
Do not add extra moisture. Fleshy vegetables and fruit specimens should be wrapped separately. Keep cool until shipped. Late summer and fall are best times to take nematode samples. Nematode samples require at least one pint of soil from approximately 20 random soil probes.