This summer has flown by, and I am amazed at how rapidly we are approaching the University of Illinois Plant Clinic annual closing date of September 15th. That date is the last day of operation for this year. Any samples that arrive by September 15th will be processed as usual. This is a firm deadline. There is no one to process samples after that date. We will once again open May 1, 2006.

If you have a plant problem after the closing date, contact your local Extension office. You can obtain unit office addresses and maps at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cie2/offices/findoffice.cfm. Extension offices also have access to a distance diagnosis system through digital imaging that operates all year long. If further help is needed from a specialist, Extension personnel can help direct you. The following University of Illinois specialists may be available for telephone questions, but do not send samples to them unless they request them. There is no lab service after September 15th.

Insect problems: Phil Nixon, (217)333-6650; Raymond Cloyd, (217)244-7218; Kelly Cook, (217)333-4424

Disease problems: Nancy Pataky, (217)333-2478; Bruce Paulsrud, (217)244-9646

Tree/shrub problems: David Williams, (217)333-2126

Turf problems: Tom Voigt, (217)333-7847

Herbaceous plant problems: Jim Schmidt, (217)244-5153