Soil Lab makes Sending Samples Safer

If they are not handled carefully, Soil samples have the potential to carry pests and diseases and two such problems that are presently of special importance are Phylloxera in vine growing areas and Potato Cyst Nematode.

SWEP Laboratories has, for some time now, maintained an AQIS accredited quarantine site to safely handle samples sent from other countries, but has now also added Phylloxera and PCN accreditation to its capabilities.

People in Phylloxera or PCN control zones wanting to send samples of soil or plant tissue for analysis can now send their samples to SWEP. On arrival they will be held in the same quarantine facility as those from overseas and (after analysis) will be destroyed using the same stringent procedures.

Growers in affected areas may need to apply for a permit to send them out of their area, stating the accredited laboratory to which the samples will be consigned. Their accreditation to properly handle these samples means that using SWEP will make the whole process simpler, easier and safer for all concerned.

For more information, please contact SWEP Laboratories during business hours on (03) 9701 6007 or email services@swep.com.au

www.swep.com.au