FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some questions commonly asked about Pocket Check kits

Q. Which part of the plant do I test?
A. Select areas of leaf, stem or fruit which show symptoms of disease but do not use completely dead plant material.  Leaf and fruit material should be approximately 25mm x 25mm.  If testing tomato fruits, use only the skin, as tomato flesh can block the test from running properly. Use only small pieces of stem tissues, and these can be cut up before adding to the extraction bottle.  

Q. When can I test?
A. Testing should be carried out as soon as symptoms are detected and monitoring for symptoms should continue until the stem starts to die down (potatoes) or cropping is complete.

Q. How do I know which disease my plant has?
A. Once the test has run simply turn the test devices over and the name of the appropriate disease is on the back of each device.

Q. Do I apply liquid to both devices?
A. Yes, once you have added your sample to the bottle and shaken it for 30 seconds, draw some of the liquid into the pipette and add 2 drops to the sample well of each of the test devices.

Q. Can I use the test more than once?
A. No, the test device can only be used once and must then be discarded.  If you want to test your plant again or want to test other plants, you will need to obtain more tests.

Q. Will the tests work on other plants as well as potato and tomato?
A. The Phytophthora test can be used on many other plants, including strawberries, raspberries and ornamentals.  A number of different Phytophthora species affect these plants, often causing a decay of the roots or stem base.  If testing roots, ensure they are washed thoroughly to remove as much soil and compost as possible, and then pat them dry.  The Botrytis test can also be used on many plants, including grapes, strawberries, raspberries, lettuce, celery, peas and ornamentals.  All show symptoms of grey mould similar to those described for tomato and potato.

Q. Why after shaking a leaf or stem sample for 30 seconds, has the buffer not turned green?
A. Extraction has not been complete due to the sample being too large, too small or old.  When testing tomato stems and fruit, or potato tubers, the buffer solution may appear colourless, brown or reddish – this is normal.

Q. Why after adding the extracted plant material to the device, has no blue dye flowed?
A. Insufficient sample has been added to the test device.

Q. Why have I got green lines and not blue ones on my test device?
A. Too much plant material has been extracted.

If you can't find the answers you need here, or in the troubleshooting section of the instruction leaflet, please contact us.