The UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center is located in Gainesville, FL on the University of Florida's main campus. Our mission is to provide plant diagnostic knowledge and services to solve plant health problems. You can tour our lab virtually here, and find information about other diagnostic services here. Our lab is part of and accredited by the National Plant Diagnostic Network.
PRIMARY SERVICES PROVIDED
- Identify plant infectious causal agent
- Plant pathogenic mushroom identification
SERVICES PROVIDED UPON SPECIAL REQUEST
The following procedures are available upon specific request and only after discussion with PDC staff. These procedures are both time-consuming and more costly than the normal sample charge; please see our website for up-to-date listing of tests available and pricing.
- Phytosanitary testing; please confirm specific tests are available at PDC@IFAS.UFL.EDU prior to sampling and sending samples.
- Pythium and Phytophthora determinations from irrigation water or growing media by baiting and culturing methods.
- Molecular diagnosis of crown gall, Xylella fastidiosa, viruses, citrus greening, laurel wilt, or sudden oak death/ramorum blight. Other tests are available; please inquire at PDC@IFAS.UFL.EDU prior to sending samples.
SERVICES NOT PROVIDED
Presently, the PDC does not routinely provide the following service:
- Pesticide residue determinations in or on plants and soil. (please refer to FDACS Pesticides)
- Soil nutrient levels, soluble salt analysis, or plant tissue analysis for macro or minor elements. (please refer to the UF Soils Lab)
- Microbe identification from non-plant samples.
- Toxic plant identifications or mycotoxin analysis.
- Plant Identification
- Insect Identification (please refer to the Insect ID Lab)
- Nematode Analysis (please refer to Nematode Assay Lab)
- Species-level determination of pathogens unless lab director and sample submitter have discussed and agreed that it is needed and possible.
- Ganoderma testing from sawdust (please refer to Fort Lauderdale Research Education Center)
- Home visits (please refer to your local extension agent)