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What image material to submit

We will only display on our website what our plant pathologist team agrees to be the ‘best’ image set for a pathogen, so we can maintain a high quality resource. To be more relevant to diagnostics in the lab, we are requesting that images be taken of the top of the agar plate (mandatory), but also the bottom of the agar plate (appreciated).

Perspective and Color

To be more relevant to diagnostics in the lab, we are requesting that images be taken of the top of the agar plate, but also the bottom of the agar plate. Color is extremely important to accurate diagnosis.

Here are two images of the same agar plate, taken from the top, and also from the bottom.  

Spores

Ideally we would like you to submit three images with each pathogen submission. One from the top of the agar plate, one from the bottom of that same agar plate, and also a spore image. Spore images are easiest if your microscope has a dedicated camera port with a dedicated camera for image collection. But this is not required! You can take a picture of any spore simply using a camera phone or a regular camera. Hold the camera up to the eyepiece (preferably the eyepiece that has the eyepiece reticle so that you can make accurate measurements) and very slowly pull the camera away from the eyepiece until the spores come into focus (about as far back to where you would literally put your eye). This requires a steady hand. To calculate spore size, you will need to know which objective lens is in play, and also include in the calculation if your eyepiece contributes to the magnification.

Here are six images from a high quality camera where the lighting angle has been changed. Ascomata on this plate can be hard to see in some lighting.

Image Formats

This is the end! You have collected all the image data, and you have filled out the form (the form collects information related to the growth of the colony, and any additional information you may have on it) and now you are ready to upload. Here is what we need: a JPG or a PNG format for image files. TIF is not supported!