Plant Diagnostic Clinic
A member of the Southern Plant Diagnostic Network (SPDN), the Florida Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic (FEPDC) at the North Florida Research & Education Center (NFREC), Quincy is designed to provide plant disease and insect diagnostic services for any Florida resident interested in plant diseases and pests. The Clinic is a facility of NFREC and the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department. This partnership allows the clinic to maintain a strong connection with the leading extension specialists and researchers in the field of Plant Pathology, Entomology, Nematology, Horticultural Sciences and Agronomy.
 Target spot symptoms on tomato leaves. |
 Target spot symptoms on tomato fruit. |
Diagnosis is the process of identifying a pathogen based on a combination of the symptoms of disease and signs of causal agent. The Clinic promotes an "identify the problem before taking any control action" attitude. Efficient integrated pest management is dependent upon accurate knowledge of pathogens or causal agents. Knowing the pest before taking action provides efficient use and selection of appropriate management tactics. In many situations, management of pests has been unsuccessful because of incorrect diagnosis.
Our services include analysis of plant material for fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens as well suggesting appropriate management recommendations when available based on UF/IFAS pest management guides. Other than classical diagnostic techniques, PCR, ELISA and MIDI are being used for specific and sensitive detection and identification of plant pathogens. Samples come from Extension Faculty, Growers, IPM Providers, Pest Control and Landscape Maintenance Companies, Retailers, Golf Courses, Researchers, and Homeowners.
The Plant Diagnostic Clinic works primarily through Extension county offices in Florida. If there is an office near you, you may want to contact them for assistance with your plant disease or pest problems. The University of Florida/IFAS Extension personnel will be able to help you immediately.
A web-based Distance Diagnostic & Identification System (DDIS), for the diagnosis of pest problems based on the electronic transmission of digital images has already been created and is currently operational in Florida counties. In 1999, the Clinic at the NFREC started receiving digital images of plant samples to enhance diagnostic capabilities. If you would like to learn more about how to submit plant disease samples using DDIS please contact your county extension office.
You can also visit the IFAS Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic - Quincy to quickly access information on Plant Diagnostic Clinic and services offered. Please follow the instructions for submitting samples carefully. It is very difficult to make a diagnosis if a sample is improperly collected, packed, and/or shipped. The clinic provides accurate plant disease diagnosis and insect identification, professional services, and up-to-date control recommendations.
Links
Plant Diagnostic Clinics
- Distance Diagnostic & Identification System (DDIS)
- IFAS Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic - Quincy
- Southern Plant Diagnostic Network (SPDN)
- UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department
Pest Alerts
- First report of septoria leaf spot on Rudbeckia fulgida in Florida
- New outbreak of Ralstonia solanacearum (race 3, biovar 2) in geraniums in U.S. and effects of biofumigants on Ralstonia solanacearum (race 1, biovar 1)
- Occurrence of southern wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum on geranium in Florida
- Tomato yellow leaf curl virus on tomato in north Florida and south Georgia
- White smut occurrence on Gaillardia species in Florida
In-Service Training & Workshops
- High-Risk Pests (March 14-16, 2006)
- Xylella fastidiosa: a Pathogen of Grapevines and a Potential Problem for the Citrus Industry in Florida (May 24, 2006)
More Information
For more information the Plant Diagnostic Clinic, contact Tim Momol.