A. Service Overview

This service is a vital management tool for Hawaiʻi’s commercial farmers and backyard growers to monitor nutrient levels during the growing season, and fine-tune fertilizer applications to save costs and protect our watersheds.

Farmers affected by the flooding from the Kona low storms in March and April 2026 can receive up to three free tests. Simply confirm you are affected by flooding when ordering services.

B. Pricing

C. How to Collect a Plant Tissue Sample

To get an accurate "snapshot" of your plant's health, it is essential to collect the right leaves at the right time. Follow these steps for the best results:

• The “Most Recently Matured” Leaf: Collect the first fully expanded, mature leaves (usually the 3rd or 4th leaf down from the growing tip). dDo not send the brand-new tiny leaves at the very top, and do not send the old, yellowing leaves at the bottom.
• Sample Size:
  • Large leaves (like Ti or Taro): Send 5 - 10 leaves.
  • Medium leaves (like Citrus or Coffee): Send 20 - 30 leaves.
  • Small leaves (like Herbs or Grasses): Send two large handfuls.
• Compare Good vs. Bad: If you are trying to diagnose a problem, submit two separate samples: one from the healthy-looking plants and one from the sick plants. This allows the lab to compare the nutrient levels side-by-side.
• Cleanliness is Key: If the leaves are dusty or have been recently sprayed with foliar fertilizer or pesticides, gently wipe them with a damp (not soaking) paper towel. Do not wash them under a faucet, as this can leach out nutrients like Potassium.
• Dry Before Bagging: Let the leaves air-dry in a cool spot until the surface moisture is gone.
• Use Paper, Not Plastic: Unlike soil or insects, plant tissue should be submitted in a clean paper bag. Plastic bags cause plant tissue to "sweat" and rot quickly in Hawaiʻi’s heat, which ruins the analysis.
• Label and Ship: Write the plant variety and the date on the bag. 

D. Where to Submit Your Sample