Types of testing offered

The TPDDL can assist with any type of plant disease problem. Field crops, trees, turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs, houseplants, or any other type of plant is welcome. Lab tests are avaliable for most plant pathogens. Tissue isolations are commonly used to detect fungal and bacterial plant pathogens.

State-of-the-art diagnostic techniques such as fatty acid methyl ester testing using temperature-programmed, flame ionization, gas-liquid chromatography for bacterial pathogens are routinely used in the TPDDL.

Detection of plant viruses, using serological techniques, is also avaliable, as is testing of both soil and plant roots for plant parasitic nematodes. If lab testing indicates the problems are insect-related or related to soil fertility problems, the specimens are forwarded to the appropriate Extension testing lab.

Specialized testing avaliable

The TPDDL offers specialized testing for the fescue endophyte, the oak wilt pathogen, and Pierce's Disease of grape. Additional testing will be made avaliable as needed.

Turn-around time

Routine diagnoses are usually finished in 1-3 days, depending on specimen load. Specimens requiring extensive testing require more time, but usually not more than 7 days. Diagnostic results are routinely mailed to the client, but results can also be faxed or phoned to reduce the diagnostic turn-around time.