What is a key requirement for submitting plant and pest materials for lab analysis?

Submitting entire plants, including their roots, is crucial for lab analysis because it allows for a comprehensive examination of the plant and any potential pests or diseases affecting it. The roots can reveal information about the plant's health and any underground pests that may be damaging it. Analyzing the entire plant provides valuable insights that help in diagnosing issues accurately and determining the appropriate management strategies.

In contrast, other methods such as adding water, keeping samples at room temperature, or drying samples can compromise the quality or viability of the specimens. Adding water may lead to decay or degradation, while room temperature might not be suitable for preservation. Drying samples could hinder the detection of certain pathogens or pests, which rely on freshness for effective identification. Therefore, submitting the entire plant with roots is essential to ensure comprehensive and effective lab analysis.