Accurate diagnoses can only be made if samples are carefully packaged and delivered promptly to avoid deterioration.

Previously there were no guidelines for people to transport plant, soil and insect samples into and between laboratories.

With the move to include harmful pests and diseases in the United Nations regulations, there was a need to develop protocols for biosecure packaging. These protocols had to be acceptable to all relevant stakeholders to enable the safe, swift and legal transport of plant, soil and insect samples nationally and internationally.

The CRCNPB’s Biosecure packaging (40121) [1] project has developed the brochure – How to send samples for diagnosis in Australia: plant disease and insect identification [2] – which can be used as a quick guide for people wanting to send a sample for diagnosis.

If you require more information contact Barbara Hall [1].