Cape Citizen Science
Instructions for sampling a dying plant
Cape Citizen Science is a project to involve conservationists in research about
plant disease in the Cape Floristic Region. The project focuses on a group of
microscopic organisms called Phytophthora, which is responsible for root rot of
many threatened proteaceae plants. The researchers hypothesize there are
many species of Phytophthora present in the region, many of which have never
been discovered and a few that have been recently introduced. Cape Citizen
Science asks CREW members to participate by reporting or sampling dying
plants, especially in areas that are heavily infested with many plants dying. Your
help with this project could lead to new discoveries and provide a baseline of
information beneficial to the conservation of many fynbos species. Instructions
for sampling dying plants are below. Sampling the soil and roots directly below a
dying plant is the easiest way to investigate whether Phytophthora is involved is
to
1. Find a dying plant
a. Samples can be collected from your backyard or anywhere you
have permission.
b. Target plants that are in the process of dying, or healthy plants that
are next to a dead plant.
2. Record GPS Point
a. Drop a pin in google maps and save the coordinates
b. Mark the spot with a GPS
c. Or mark the spot on a map and find the coordinates with google
maps later.
3. Collect soil and roots
a. Soil and roots from nearby plants can be mixed into one sample
b. Collect about 500g (~1 litre) of soil and roots from under and
around the dying plant
c. Dig a few cm below the surface (Avoid leaves and debris on
surface)
4. Submit the sample
a. Browse to http://citsci.co.za/submit for additional instructions or
arrange pickup with [email protected]
b. Avoid letting the sample get too hot or too cold. Keep at room
temperature with the lid/zip open. Keeping the lid/zip closed allows
condensation to build up and the sample will get moldy.
i. The sample will stay fresh for up to two weeks if it is kept in
this manner.
c. Submit the sample as soon as possible.