Plant Pathology Infobytes

June 14, 1996
Have Your Sick Plants Diagnosed Free-of-Charge

Homeowners frequently have a sizable investment in gardens, orchards, and landscapes, so if "sick" plants are detected, fast action is needed. It's wise to determine the cause of the problems soon as possible, since the key to effective treatment is quick and accurate problem diagnosis.

If you're not sure where to turn for help in identifying the reason for plant health decline, check with us at the county Extension office. We'll advise you on how to properly collect a specimen to bring in for disease diagnosis.

If we can't determine the problem, the specimen will be referred to our plant pathology laboratory at Mississippi State University. This laboratory was established for the purpose of helping anyone who needs assistance in plant disease identification. Clientele groups served by the laboratory include county Extension offices,home gardeners, farmers, commercial horticultural crop producers,agricultural consultants, landscape maintenance companies, the commercial greenhouse and container nursery industry, as well as
regulatory and governmental agencies.

In an average year, the plant pathology laboratory receives about 1,300 plant disease specimens. The lab is well equipped to handle most disease problems. Microscopic assays and tissue isolation are
routinely used to identify the specific type of disease causing organisms which may be involved. If the problem isn't a disease,and appears to be insect or fertility related, the specimen is
routed to the appropriate laboratory or Extension Service specialists to handle the problem.

Following laboratory testing of specimens, a diagnostic report is sent to the client. It identifies the disease and lists control strategies to minimize further plant loss. There is no charge for the plant disease diagnostic services offered by the plant pathology laboratory.

Accurate diagnosis of a specific plant disease depends on several factors. The specimen must arrive at the laboratory in fresh condition, but just as important, it must also be representative of the symptoms expressed in the garden, orchard, or landscape. Also, a complete description of the area, its history of cultural or chemical control practices, and other pertinent facts will need to be provided in order for the laboratory to provide an accurate identification of the problem. This information should be supplied on Plant Disease Diagnosis and Insect Identification Form 205. Copies of this form are available at your County Extension Office.


Written by the late Dr. Frank Killebrew

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