Skip to main content

Extension

Open Main MenuClose Main Menu

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:

  1. Collect plant specimens showing various stages of disease development. Select plant parts that are symptomatic but still alive.
  2. 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.
  3. Plants should be dug (not pulled) to keep the roots intact.
  4. Wrap the roots of the plant in a plastic bag so they do not dry out. Prevent potting media or soil from contacting foliage.
  5. 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.
  6. For shrub or tree problems, submit branch sections measuring at least 8 inches long and 1/2-inch in diameter or larger.
  7. Store plant material in the refrigerator until it is delivered to the local county Extension office.
  8. 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.

 

 

Entomology & Plant Pathology

 

Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab

 

Digital Diagnostics at OSU

 

Contacts

Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology

127 Noble Research Center

Stillwater, OK 74078

(405) 744-5643

 

Plant Disease & Insect Diagnostic Lab

(405) 744-9961

 

Jennifer Olson, Director

Plant Disease Diagnostician

(405) 744-9961

sickplants@okstate.edu

 

Sara Wallace

Plant Disease Diagnostician

 

Insect Diagnostician

gotbugs@okstate.edu

 

Katie Oomens

Lab Technician

Was this information helpful?
YESNO
Fact Sheet
Sclerotinia Crown and Stem Rot of Alfalfa

By Maira Duffeck and Kelly Seuhs. Learn about Sclerotinia Crown and Stem Rot in Alfalfa, including symptoms, disease cycle, and options for disease management.

AlfalfaCommercial Agriculture Insects, Pests, & DiseasesCropsInsects, Pests, and DiseasesPastures & Forage
Fact Sheet
Septoria Nodorum Blotch: A New Challenge to Wheat Production in Oklahoma

By Meriem Aoun and Brett Carver. Learn about septoria nodorum blotch, the new challenge to wheat production in Oklahoma.

Commercial Agriculture Insects, Pests, & DiseasesCropsGrains & OilseedsInsects, Pests, and DiseasesWheat
VIEW ALL
MENUCLOSE