The summer is almost over. We can tell because school has started, nights are cooling down, and the Plant Clinic is soon to close for the season. For those who use our services, it is known that September 15 is closing day. This notice is to remind those clients and to notify the unaware that September 15 is the last day a plant sample can arrive in 2003 and still be processed at the University of Illinois Plant Clinic. Doors will open again on May 1, 2004. Samples sent after September 15 will likely be returned to sender. The lab service is a summer service only.

Where can you go for help with plant problems after the 15th? Most Extension offices, both local and regional, have educators who can help. Those offices also have access to the Extension digital diagnosis system. They can take a digital image of your plant problem, help you fill out a form on the computer, and then send it to other Extension educators in Illinois for diagnosis. If the problem still needs help from a specialist, Extension educators can help you find the one who can help. They can also recommend private labs that may provide the service you need, such as soil-testing labs, a lab that can test for specific viruses, and a place to send insects for identification.

For commercial growers with crop questions, the following specialists may be able to help. Do not send them plant material unless they request a sample.

Problems with ornamental plants

Insects: Phil Nixon, 333-6650; Raymond Cloyd, 244-7218

Diseases: Nancy Pataky, 333-2478; Bruce Paulsrud, 244-9646

Trees/shrubs: David Williams, 333-2126

Turf: Tom Voigt, 333-7847

Herbaceous plants: Jim Schmidt, 244-5153

Problems with fruit/vegetable plants

Insects: Rick Weinzierl, 333-6651; Kelly Cook, 333-6652

Diseases: Mohammad Babadoost, 333-1523

Vegetable production: Chuck Voigt, 333-1969

Food crops: Mosbah Kushad, 244-5691

Weed control: John Masiunas, 244-4469