Plant Disease & Insect Diagnostic Laboratory
Mission
The primary mission of the Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory is to provide residents in the residents in Oklahoma with accurate diagnoses of plant diseases and insect pests and to make recommendations for their control. The lab operates throughout the year to provide plant disease and insect identification services to Extension educators, individuals, consultants and commercial producers.
About the Laboratory
The lab employs two full-time plant disease diagnosticians, an insect diagnostician and a lab technician. A variety of techniques, including nematode extraction, microscopy, culture analysis, serology and molecular testing, are used in the lab to make accurate plant disease and arthropod determinations.
Plant Disease & Arthropod Identification
The diagnostic lab strives to provide both accurate and timely diagnosis of the samples received. Images are often sufficient to manage problems in home landscapes and gardens. Commercial clients are encouraged to submit physical samples for examination and testing. Diagnostic results are provided by email and are provided as quickly as possible. Management recommendations are provided when applicable.
Fees
Many testing services offered by the lab have no fees for Oklahoma residents for up to 10 samples per year. Some advanced diagnostic services have fees. Always check with the lab or visit the website for the latest pricing as prices may change without notice.
Imaging Techniques
Digital imaging equipment can consist of flatbed scanners, handheld cameras or cell phone cameras. The images should be sharp and a sufficient size to show as much detail as possible. The ability of the lab to identify plant problems or arthropods from images is dependent on the resolution and clarity of those images. The guidelines below should be followed. Leaf material should be scanned on front and back. If there are several diseased leaves, scan both front and back in the same scan.
- Field or landscape situations should include wide-angle images to show the overall
area. Close-up images should then be taken, zooming in on problem areas.
If the problem is affecting leaves, be sure to take images of both the front and back side of the leaves. - Submit a top, bottom and side view of arthropods. If it is moving, place the arthropod in the freezer for a few hours or overnight or add a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the container holding the arthropod. Arthropod images should include a size reference (ie. ruler, coin, keys) in the photo.
- Full-size photos should be submitted. If the files are too large to email, consider uploading the image to a file sharing site (Google Drive).
- Images should be sent to the local county Extension office. If they need assistance, the county office will contact the lab.
The Diagnostic Lab Can Provide
- Diagnosis of most infectious plant diseases
- Positive identification of plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses
- Mushroom identification if the mushroom affects plant health
- Isolation and identification of plant parasitic nematodes (Genus level)
- Recommendations for plant disease and arthropod management
- Identification of arthropods
The Diagnostic Lab Cannot Provide
- Site visits. However, it may be possible to arrange a site visit through the local county Extension office
- Identification or isolation of fungi or bacteria in soil, water or air
- Identification of strain, race, mating type, pathovar or Anastomosis Group of pathogens
- Isolation or identification of human or animal pathogens
- Disease identification from dead plants
- Pesticide residue determinations
- Plant tissue or soil nutrient analysis
Arthropod Identification
Arthropod identification services are offered for plant feeding arthropods and household pests (ants, termites, stored product pests, scorpions, spiders, etc.). When appropriate, the lab will provide management recommendations for arthropod samples.
Plant Material Collection
Home gardeners should start by photographing plant problems and sending images to their local county Extension educator. If a physical sample is requested, follow these steps:
- Collect plant specimens showing various stages of disease development. Select plant parts that are symptomatic but still alive.
- If the problem is only affecting foliage, collect symptomatic leaves or shoots. If the problem is over the entire plant, it is best to collect the whole plant, if possible.
- Plants should be dug (not pulled) to keep the roots intact.
- Wrap the roots of the plant in a plastic bag so they do not dry out. Prevent potting media or soil from contacting foliage.
- Place whole plant(s) in plastic bags to prevent wilting. Never add moisture to the bag. If the foliage is damp, wrap it with dry paper before placing it in a bag.
- For shrub or tree problems, submit branch sections measuring at least 8 inches long and 1/2-inch in diameter or larger.
- Store plant material in the refrigerator until it is delivered to the local county Extension office.
- Provide a detailed history explaining when the symptoms were first noted, management strategies employed and a description of symptoms.
Arthropod Collection
Images may be suitable for the identification of some arthropods. Store insects in small containers, such as empty pill bottles. Up to 1 fluid ounce of alcohol can be added to the vial. Plant feeding arthropods should be collected with plant material as described above.
Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab
Contacts
Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology
127 Noble Research Center
Stillwater, OK 74078
Plant Disease & Insect Diagnostic Lab
Jennifer Olson, Director
Plant Disease Diagnostician
Sara Wallace
Plant Disease Diagnostician
Insect Diagnostician
Katie Oomens
Lab Technician