Diagnostic Services Rate Schedule

The Florida Extension Plant Disease Clinic (FEPDC) is a fee-based facility provided by the University of Florida-IFAS, Plant Pathology Department. Fees collected by FEPDC are used to pay for diagnostic supplies and equipment as well as funding for student lab assistants and graduate assistantships at the clinic. Diagnosis of certain high risk diseases that are of regulatory concern are not on a charge basis as long as the clinic can procure outside funding for these services.

Standard charge: $20.00

Charge to private commercial labs: $30.00

DNA hybridization and PCR based diagnostic service rates:

• Tomato yellow leaf curl virus - $40.00
• Lethal Yellowing of palms - $75.00
• Fusarium Wilt of palms- A two-tiered rate applies, depending on the outcome of the first diagnostic test. Standard diagnostic procedures are used for the initial isolation of possible pathogens. This is charged at the base rate of $20.00. (Out-of-state samples with proper permitting and advanced notice are charged $30.00). If Fusarium oxysporum is isolated, PCR-based tests are run. This test is necessary to determine if the F. oxysporum isolated is the Palm Wilt pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. canariensis) There is an additional $35.00 charge for this test ($50.00 for out-of state samples). In-state clients will be charged $20 or $55 to have a palm tested for Fusarium Palm Wilt, depending on the results of the initial test. (out-of-state clients will be charged $30.00 or $80.00)
• Soybean Rust by conventional or Real-Time PCR – No Charge
• Citrus Greening by conventional or Real-Time PCR – No Charge
• Sudden Oak Death by conventional PCR- $20.00

Virus diagnostic service rates:

These rates will vary depending on the level of identification, the number of virus tests run, and the methods employed in the testing.

• Standard “in-house” diagnosis - $20.00. These tests depend on the use of virus inclusion bodies to detect the presence of virus pathogens. These techniques can identify viruses usually to the Family or Genus level. There is no single technique used for the detection of plant viruses, but the use of virus inclusion bodies is probably the most encompassing technique. When ELISA-based immunostrips are available, these may be used for virus diagnosis at the standard $20 rate.
• Electron microscopy - call for rates and availability.
• Bioassay for mechanically transmitted viruses- call for rates and availability.
• Serology – charged at market rate. This is out-sourced to a private lab.

Miscellaneous diagnostic service rates:

Some procedures are available upon specific request and only after discussion with FEPDC staff. These procedures are both time consuming and more costly than our standard lab practices. Call for rates and availability. Possible miscellaneous diagnostic procedures include:

• Pathogen determination from water sources.
• Pathogen determination from soil or growing media by baiting or culturing methods.
• Special requested methods that vary from the FEPDC’s standard diagnostic practices