Plant Disease Diagnosis

$30 per plant sample

Routine diagnosis includes visual observation, microscopic examination and moist chamber incubation when needed.

$50+ for culturing per sample

Culturing may be needed to identify the fungi or bacteria from samples. Fees typically do not exceed $50 per sample.

$50 per sample

Available for:

• Dutch elm disease
• Verticillium wilt
• Oak wilt (red oak only)

For oak wilt analysis (molecular testing) of white and bur oak, please contact UMN Plant Disease Clinic.

PCR-based assays ($100 minimum)

Molecular Analysis - PCR
$70 base fee - DNA extraction and PCR
$35 per additional sample

Molecular Analysis - qPCR or RT-PCR
$80 base fee - plant RNA or soil DNA extraction and PCR
$40-45 per additional sample

Available tests:

Please contact us for availability of PCR tests for other pathogens.

$60 first sample
$15 per additional sample/test

Available tests:

Please call us for availability of ELISA tests for pathogens not listed above.

$10 per test
$30 fee for routine diagnosis may apply

Available tests:

Please contact us for availability of Immunostrip tests for pathogens not listed above.

Please contact us for availability of analyses for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and other nematodes.

$35 SCN counts

The ND Soybean Council (NDSC) covers up to 2,000 SCN samples for ND growers. For more information about SCN sampling program, contact Wade Webster.

How to Sample for SCN

Please contact us for availability.

Sequencing

$100 base fee - PCR and sequencing
$50 additional sample

*Fees for culturing still applies.

• Select plants showing various stages (early and late symptoms) of the problem.
• Choose plants or plant parts showing the area between the healthy and dead tissue.
• Send the entire plant whenever feasible. Avoid sending completely dead plants.
• Supplement physical samples with photos. Include close-up of the symptoms, entire plant and the surrounding area. Make sure that the images have good resolution and are in focus. Send photos to ndsu.pdl@ndsu.edu.

• Download the diagnostic sample submission form
• Include your contact information (address, phone and email) and the place where the sample was collected.
• Fill out as much information as you can. Do not worry about filing out every section of the form.
• Describe the problem in detail and provide additional information on the reverse side of the form.

• Wrap the plant sample loosely in dry paper towel to prevent leaves from contact with moisture.
• For samples with roots, keep some soil on the roots and wrap in a plastic bag secured with a twist tie around the base of the plant.
• Place the sample in a zippered or sealed plastic bag. Do not add water or wet paper towels to the bag.
• Use a sturdy box to mail your sample. Avoid using flat envelopes to prevent shipping damages.
• Put the submission form on its own plastic bag. Please do not put the form in the bag with the sample.

• Drop off or mail the sample as quickly as possible to the appropriate address found here.
• We recommend shipping your sample early in the week so we can receive it by Friday.
• If the sample cannot be sent immediately, keep it refrigerated. Avoid letting the sample sit in the packaging and under direct sunlight.
• If submitting both physical and digital samples, send photos to ndsu.pdl@ndsu.edu. Please include your contact information and shipping date of the physical sample.

• We will email the report once diagnosis is complete.
  • Report will be sent to the extension agent if the latter submitted the sample for the client.
  • If fees apply, the invoice will be sent along with the report.
• Most samples are completed within a few days. Other samples that requires culturing or testing can take several weeks.