Dear vegetable and berry grower assn members,

In the last veg and berry news was a blurb about a new nematode pest 
that's been found in garlic in NY; it causes leaf distortion, stunting 
and sponginess/decay of the bulbs.  I am concerned that we may have this 
in VT and would like to have samples from farms tested to determine how 
big a problem this may be.

I have made arrangements with the University of Arkansas nematology lab 
to test garlic samples from VT for this nematode.  They will test each 
sample for only $20 (vs $75 at Michigan). the samples must all be sent 
in bulk from my office since a federal permit is required to ship them 
into their state. I will fill out the permit for all the farms and mail 
all the samples in one box to the lab.

I will cover the cost of the testing and shipping. If you want to take 
part you must get your samples to my office no later than Sept. 30 - one 
week from today.  so do not delay.

You will need to mail me 10 bulbs that have browning, splitting or decay 
around the base. Look especially for those with more roots on one side 
than the other. Include 2 more bulbs that do not have signs of decay. I 
guess the nematologist likes to eat garlic.

Put the bulbs inside two (2) ziplock bags (per the federal shipping 
permit) with your name written in permanent marker on the outside bag 
and also a slip of paper with your name inside the bag with the bulbs.

It sounds like the results should be back within 2 weeks of submission, 
hopefully in time to prevent planting of bulbs if any are determined to 
be infested. You will get results emailed direct from me unless you tell 
me to give the lab your email.

Please do not forward this email to groups of people as the lab is not 
expecting more than about 20 samples; but if you know of a commercial 
grower that has a suspect crop and should participate have them call me.

Please let me know by email me if you plan to participate, so I can give 
the lab a heads up. Give a holler if you have questions. sorry for the 
rush but this all just came together.

Vern
802-257-7967 x303