
Sampling Plants
Key to Stages of Growth
IMPORTANT! Official ratings for elements other than NO3-N, PO4-P, and soluble K on petioles or midribs may not exist. Therefore, interpret with caution when requesting the PT2 or PT5A package.
BLM | bloom sampling | EGF | early green fruit | PBL | prebloom |
VER | veraison | PRE | preharvest | EBL | early bloom |
HAR | harvest | ERF | early ripe fruit | FBL | full bloom |
ESN | early season | FRF | full ripe fruit | LBL | late bloom |
MSN | midseason/growth | MIT | mid tillering | FSQ | first square |
LSN | late season | MAT | maximum tillering | EBL | first bloom |
VEG | vegetative growth | PAI | panicle initiation | PBL | peak bloom |
EFL | early flowering | SIL | silking | FOB | first open boll |
BUT | buttoning | TAS | tasseling | ESN | 3-4 leaf |
BUL | fruit bulking | EFG | early fern growth | TIL | tillering |
HEA | early heading | MID | midgrowth | JNT | jointing |
PRE | preharvest | MFG | mature fern growth | BOO | booting |
HAR | first harvest | MRM | most recently mature | HEA | heading |
Key to Plant Parts
B | blade | L | leaf/leaflet | S | stem/midstem/seedling |
C | center/cluster | M | midrib | T | tops |
F | flag leaf | P | petiole | U | underground stem |
H | hulls | R | root | W | whole above-ground portion |
Available List of Crop Codes
ALFALFA |
EBL-T HAR-W (Core from whole bale) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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{University of California Method} {EBL-C (SO4-S) {Center leaves |
EBL-S (PO4-P+K) Center stems |
EBL-W (B+Mo)} Whole top third} |
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ALMONDS |
MAR-L Select the most recently matured leaves from non-fruiting, non-expanding spurs PT2, PT3, PT4, Cl, Mo, NO3-N with ratings available
HAR-H (B in hulls) PT2, B with ratings available |
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APRICOTS/CANNG APRICOTS/PLUMS/PRUNES/CHERRIES |
MAR-L Select the most recently matured leaves from non-fruiting, non-expanding spurs PT2, PT3, PT4, Cl, Mo, NO3-N with ratings available
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ARTICHOKES |
EBL-P Select the lower 6 inches of the petiole PT5, PT5A, and PT6 with ratings available for petioles HAR-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaves and/or petioles |
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ARUGULA |
MRM-L (Select the most recently matured leaf) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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ASPARAGUS |
MFG-T (Top 12" of fern) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available MID-T (Top 4" of fern) PT5 with ratings available |
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AVOCADOS |
LSN-L (mid Aug-mid Oct. Select 5 to 7 month old spring cycle terminal leaves) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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BANANAS |
HAR-L (center strip of 2nd to 3rd fully developed leaf from the top) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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BASIL |
No code, but select most recently matured leaves PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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BEANS |
EBL-B (trifoliate blade (excluding petiole) of most recently matured leaf) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available ESN-P (Petiole only) PT5 with ratings available |
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BEET, TABLE |
ESN-L (5 weeks after seeding) PT2, PT3, PT4, SO4-S, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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BEET, SUGAR |
ESN-P (6 to 8" of growth) MSN-P or MSN-B PRE-P (5-6 weeks before harvest) PT5 with ratings available for petioles PT2, PT3, PT4, SO4-S, Mo, Cl with ratings available for blades |
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BLUEBERRIES |
MSN-L (midshoot leaves off of current season's growth, near/at harvest, Jun-Aug) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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BROCCOLI |
BUT-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available ESN-M PT5 available with ratings |
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BRUSSELS SPROUTS |
MID-L or MID-M (midgrowth, early sprouts) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaves PT5 with ratings available for midribs |
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CABBAGE |
HEA-L or HEA-M (2 to 3 month old wrapper leaves or midribs) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaves PT5 with ratings available for midribs |
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CANEBERRIES / RASPBERRIES / BLACKBERRIES / BOYSENBERRIES |
ESN-L (pre/early bloom) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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CACAO |
EGF-L (pod filling) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo with ratings available |
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CANOLA |
PRE-L (most recently matured (5th) leaf from the tip) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo with ratings available |
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CARROTS |
MSN-L (tallest leaf,discarding petiole) Select leaves after 4" tall/60 days after seeding PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaves PT5 with ratings available for petioles |
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CAULIFLOWER |
ESN-L or ESN-M PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaves PT5 with ratings available for petioles |
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CELERY / CELERIAC |
MID-L or MID-P (4 to 6 weeks after seeding most recently matured leaf or petiole below te 1st node) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl, with ratings available for leaves PT5 with ratings available for petioles
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CHARD |
ESN-L (5 weeks after seeding) PT2, PT3, PT4, with ratings available |
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CHESTNUTS |
MSN-L (most recently matured leaves) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available
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CHINESE CABBAGE |
HEA-L HEA-M PT2, PT3, PT4 with ratings available for leaves PT5 with ratings available for midrib |
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CILANTRO |
No code but select most recently matured leaf PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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CITRUS |
LSN-L (terminal spring-flush leaves from non-fruiting shoots in Sep-Oct) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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CLOVER |
EBL-T (top third of plant) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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COFFEE | NON-L (non-bearing, 4th pair from tips) BEA-L (bearing, 4th pair from tips between flowering and cherry ripening) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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CONIFERS |
LSN-S (whole seedlings, including washed roots) Mature plants, no code, but select terminal 3" cuttings from current season's growth, mid Sep - mid Dec PT2, PT3, PT4, with ratings available |
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CORN, GRAIN/COMMODITY/SILAGE |
ESN-W (6-12" tall, whole seedling) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available MSN-M (3-6' tall) TAS-M (Tasseling/silking, select midrib above primary ear) PT5 with ratings available |
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CORN, SWEET |
TAS-L (6th leaf from base) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available MSN-M (3-6' tall) TAS-M (tasseling/silking) PT5 with ratings available |
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COTTON |
FSQ-P (before early July) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for FBL-L only PT5 with ratings available for petioles |
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CRANBERRIES |
LSN-T (tops above fruiting uprights on current season growth, mid-Aug to mid-Sep) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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CUSTARD APPLE/CHERIMOYA |
LSN-L (most recently matured leaves from non-fruiting shoots, Nov-Dec) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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EGGPLANTS |
MRM-B (Select blade (no petiole!) from the most recently matured leaf at the small fruit stage) PT2, PT3, PT3, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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FEIJOAS / GUAVAS |
MSN-L (3rd pair of leaves back from fruiting terminals, Jul-Aug) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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FIGS |
APR-L MAY-L MSN-L (Jun-Jul) LSN-L (Aug-Sep) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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FILBERTS /HAZELNUTS |
MSN-L (most recently matured midshoot leaves from current season's growth, Jul-Aug) PT2, PT3, PT4, with ratings available |
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FLOWERS |
No code, but select most recently matured leaves PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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GARLIC / CHIVES |
ESN-L (before bulbing) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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GINSENG |
No code, but select most recently matured leaves PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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GRAPES |
PBL-P or B or L (Before bloom, select only from the unshaded leaves)
BLM-P or B or L (Select opposite the basal cluster when 2-3 calyptras fallen off)
MSN-P or B or L (Berry filling, 2nd leaf away from last cluster)
VER-P or B or L (Berry softening and coloring. Select 6th to 7th leaf from the growing tip)
HAR-P or B or L (Select most recently matured leaves) Petioles are better for determining Nam Cl toxicities Blades are better for determining B toxicities Ratings available for PT2, PT3, PT4, PT6, Mo, Cl, NO3-N
PT5, PT5A not recommended for petioles
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GRASS / PASTURE / TIMOTHY / ORCHARD GRASS |
No code, but select whole tops. PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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HOPS |
JUN-P NO3 ratings only |
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KIWIFRUIT |
MAY-P or MAY-L (Select 1st or 3rd leaf beyond fruit on fruiting vines) PT5 available for petioles |
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LETTUCE, GREENHOUSE |
MRM-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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LETTUCE / ENDIVE |
ESN-L or ESN-M (4th to 6th leaf stage) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaves PT5 available for ratings with midribs FES-M |
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LITCHI | No code, but select most recently matured leaves | ||||
MANGOES |
No code, select most recently matured leaves in Jan-Feb, just prior to flowering PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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MACADAMIAS |
No code, but select leaves from 2nd whorl below bud before new flush PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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MELONS / CANTALOUPES / PUMPKINS / CUCUMBERS / GREENHOUSE CUCUMBERS/ CUCURBITS / WATERMELONS |
VEG-P OR VEG-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaves PT5 with ratings available for petioles |
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PUMPKINS, GIANT |
EFL-L (Select the most recently matured leaves from a vine PT2, PT3, PT4 with ratings available |
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MINT |
EBL-L (Select leaves from top 6" of first unbranched stem) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available ESN-S Select top 6" of first unbranched stem, stripped of leaves NO3-N ratings only |
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NECTARINES / PEACHES / FREEST PEACHES / CLING PEACHES / ASIAN PEARS/APPLES |
MAR-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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OLIVES |
MSN-L LSN-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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ONIONS |
ESN-P or ESN-L PT5 with ratings available for petiole PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaf ESN-R (washed roots before bulb enlargement) NO3-N only - more reliable than leaves For this crop only, sample the most recently matured leaf for both "petiole" and "leaf" |
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ORNAMENTALS |
No code, but select most recently matured leaves for general guidelines Ratings are available for specific ornamental plants PT2, PT3, Pt4 with ratings available |
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PALMS |
No code, but select middle leaflets from most recently matured leaves, discarding the petiole/midrib PT2. PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PAPAYAS |
PBL-P (select petioles from the most recently matured leaves) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PARSLEY |
No code, but select the most recently matured leaves PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PASSIONFRUIT |
MSN-L (Select the most recently matured leaves on well developed lateral vines) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PEAS |
EBL-L (Select the most recently matured leaves) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PECANS |
MSN-L (July) LSN-L (Aug-Sep) Select paired midshoot leaflets (not entire leaves!) from non-fruiting shoots PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PEPPERS / GH PEPPERS |
MRM-L (Select the most recently matured leaves) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PEPPERS, SWEET / HOT / CHILI |
VEG-P or VEG-L EFL-P or EFL-L EGF-P or EGF-L PRE-P or PRE-L Select the most recently matured leaves or petioles PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available PT5 with ratings available for petioles |
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PERENNIAL RYEGRASS (PASTURE) |
MRM-L (Select most recently matured leaves from actively growing plants) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo with ratings available |
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PERSIMMONS |
LSN-L (Most recently matured leaves from non-fruiting shoots in Sep-Oct) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PINEAPPLES |
EFL-L (Most recently matured leaf at early inflorescence, discarding white base) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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PISTACHIOS |
MAR-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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POMEGRANATES |
NO OFFICIAL DATA LSN-L (Select most recently matured leaves from non-fruiting branches) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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POTATOES |
ESN-P or ESN-L (prebloom - 50 days after planting) PT6 with ratings available for petioles (PT5 not recommended) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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RADISH |
No code but select most recently matured leaves at midseason PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo with ratings available |
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RICE/
WILD RICE
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MIT-L (May-Jun, 30-55 days) Select the Y or flag leaf, depending on the development stage Ratings available for PT2, PT3, PT4, Cl, Mo, soluble K, soluble PO4-P PT5 or PT5A not recommended |
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ROSEMARY |
No code, but select 2" to 3" long cuttings in summer PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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SAFFLOWER |
ESN-L (Midstem leaves) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl available for leaves only ESN-S (8"-12" bolted) NO3-N, Sol K available for stem |
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SORGHUM / MILO |
ESN-W (12" tall, whole plant) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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SOYBEANS |
EBL-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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SPINACH |
ESN-L (30-50 days after planting) PRE-L (mature) MID-P (30-50 days after planting) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available PT5 with ratings available for petioles |
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SQUASH |
EFL-L (Select the most recently matured leaf including the petiole) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available For other stages of growth, consider using "melon," a closely related species |
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STRAWBERRIES |
MSN-P or MSN-L or MSN-B (for SO4-S only) select leaves, petioles, or blades at the early fruiting stage PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo with ratings available for leaves |
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SUDAN GRASS |
No code, but select whole tops, 5 weeks between clippings PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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SUGARCANE |
MSN-L (4th to 6th leaf from top) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for whole leaf MSN-N Total N only, dicard midrib |
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SUNFLOWERS |
PBL-L (Select 3rd to 4th leaf below flower bud) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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SWEET POTATOES |
MSN-P or MSN-L
VEG-P (NO3-N only)
BUL-P (NO3-N only)
PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for leaves only
PT5 with ratings available for MSN-P
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TOBACCO |
PBL-L (40-80 days after emergence) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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TOMATOES / CANNING / PROCESSING / CHERRY
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VEG-P or VEG-L
EFL-P or EFL-L (Fruit is 1" in diameter) EGF-P or EGF-L (Fruit is 1" in diameter) ERF-P or ERF-L (Fruit is 10-20% red) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for whole leaves (including petiole)
PT5 with ratings available for petioles (PT5A not recommended)
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TOMATOES, FRESH / MARKET / TRELLIS |
VEG-P or VEG-L FRF-P or FRF-L (Fruit is 100% red) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for whole leaves (including petiole)
PT5 with ratings available for petioles (PT5A not recommended)
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TOMATOES, GREENHOUSE |
MRM-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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TURF |
No code, but specify variety for accurate ratings PT2, PT3, PT4, Cl with ratings available |
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VETCH |
PBL-T (Pre-flowering, upper tops) PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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WALNUTS |
MAR-L PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available |
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WHEAT / BARLEY / OATS
GRAIN / MIXED GRAIN
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ESN-W or ESN-U (U is 2" stem underground) PT5 with ratings available for U and S PT2, PT3, PT4, Mo, Cl with ratings available for W and T |