FAQ Laboratories
The frequently asked questions can be found here. If you can't find your question, please mail it to us.
Clicking a link will scroll the page to the relevant section.
1. Can water be tested?
Yes, water can be tested for the presence of fungi, bacteria and a number of viruses. If you would like more information about testing water, please contact the Diagnostics teams or telephone + 31 (0)71 332 62 55.
2. If the material has recently been treated with pesticides etc., will this influence the results of a test or diagnosis?
Yes. Any pesticides applied to the material will make it unsuitable for diagnostic testing. This can also interfere with the results of routine testing. For this reason, always state which treatments the material has undergone in the last few weeks.
3. What kind of fungi testing does Naktuinbouw Laboratories perform?
Naktuinbouw Laboratories has the expertise and the equipment to identify the presence of pathogens in floricultural, arboricultural and vegetable crops. Routine tests on plant material, seed or soil are carried out by the Seed Analysis team or the Health Tests team. If a diagnosis has to be made, this test will be carried out by the Diagnostics team. Naktuinbouw also makes varieties free of viruses so that these varieties can be included in certified systems, such as Naktuinbouw Elite and Select Plant. The process of making large and small fruit crops, strawberry plants, woody crops and roses virus free takes place in Horst.
4. Who do I contact if I want to use the services of Naktuinbouw Laboratories?
If you wish to use the services of Naktuinbouw Laboratories, please contact the administration team of Naktuinbouw Laboratories or telephone + 31 (0)71 332 62 26. If you want to have infected plant material made free of viruses, please contact the Naktuinbouw Test Centre Horst or telephone + 31 (0)77 398 59 19.
5. Where do I send the sample to?
Adresses Naktuinbouw Laboratories
6. Can I get photographs of symptoms of diseases from Naktuinbouw Laboratories?
Yes, Naktuinbouw has an image bank of various types of symptoms. To request an image, please send an e-mail to Naktuinbouw laboratories. In the e-mail please state the type of disease concerned and what you intend to use the images for.
7. How long will it take before I have the results of my test?
If you inform the administration team at Naktuinbouw Laboratories beforehand about your tests, they can indicate when you can expect to receive the results. This only applies to routine tests, and not to diagnostic tests.
8. I suspect that my plants are diseased. Who can I contact?
You can contact Naktuinbouw Diagnostics. Specialists at Naktuinbouw unite horticultural practice, diagnostic skills and researchers at Naktuinbouw Laboratories. Diagnostics diagnoses pests and diseases, but also cultivation related problems. If you have any questions about viruses in fruit, arboricultural crops or strawberry plants, please contact the Naktuinbouw Test Center Horst or telephone + 31 (0)77 398 59 19.
9. Are the services of Naktuinbouw Laboratories only available to Dutch companies?
No, national and international companies can use the services of Naktuinbouw Laboratories.
10. What do tests at Naktuinbouw Laboratories cost?
For the fees charged by Naktuinbouw Laboratories, please consult the list of fees.
11. Can I give samples to a Naktuinbouw inspector?
Yes, you can give samples to a Naktuinbouw inspector. All communication about the sample and the test results will be provided by Naktuinbouw Laboratories. Samples can also be submitted via Blgg.
12. Do the laboratories test crops other than horticultural crops?
Naktuinbouw Laboratories does not test arable and pasture crops. Naktuinbouw Laboratories has the expertise to test for the presence of pathogens and physiological abnormalities in floricultural, arboricultural and vegetable crops. Naktuinbouw also performs tests and diagnoses concerning a broad range of perennials and cuttings of bedding plants.
13. Which is the best way to submit a sample?
General instructions
- The material must be packed in properly sealed plastic. Pack the roots and leaves well so that soil cannot contaminate the leaves. For example, enclose the roots in a separate plastic bag and seal this bag firmly with an elastic band around the stem.
- Dispatch the sample in a sturdy container (e.g. a box). Attach the packing list to the outside of the container.
- Damp samples should be packed and dispatched in moisture-tight packaging. Do not pack samples too tightly together.
- For sound laboratory testing for both diagnostic and routine purposes it is important to submit diseased material and healthy material that can be used as a reference.
- For Naktuinbouw attests always send in at least twice the required amount of seed. This will avoid delays if a repeat rest has to be carried out.
- If your routine test sample is labelled URGENT, it will be treated as such. The test will be performed as soon as possible. A special rate for urgent testing will be charged.
- If you inform the administration team at Naktuinbouw Laboratories beforehand about any urgent tests, this will help speed up the testing procedure.
Instructions for submitting seed
- Seed treatments can affect the reliability of the health test results.
- For this reason, preferably submit untreated seed samples.
- Always state if the seed has been disinfected.
Instructions for submitting material for diagnostic tests
- For diagnostic tests on unknown crops it is important to submit diseased material and healthy material that can be used as a reference.
- If possible, send in the entire plant. Symptoms that show on leaves are often caused by problems with the roots.
Instructions for submitting material to be made virus free
- A number of special conditions apply to material submitted for treatment to make it free of viruses. These conditions can be obtained on request from Naktuinbouw Test Centre Horst or telephone + 31 (0)77 398 59 19.
