Plant Diseases and Nematode Diagnostic Services
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industries (MDAC-BPI) regulatory plant pathology lab is a member of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN).
Services:
- Identification of plant disease problems on samples mailed to the lab or from digital images
- Nematode identification and quantification
- Endophyte testing of fescue
- Management recommendations always provided
Fees:
Methods of Payment:
- Check or money order made payable to MSU-ES Plant Pathology
- Bill to your Mississippi State University Account (download application - PDF)
Send samples to:
Extension Plant Pathology Lab
190 Bost North, Rm. 9
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-2146
(662) 325-8336 (Fax)
Forms:
- Plant Disease Sample Submission Form
- Nematode Sample Submission Form
- FREE Soybean Nematode Submission Form
Tips for Plant Disease Samples:
- Out-of-state samples must be packaged in two sealed plastic bags.
- Select plants or plant parts that are showing the problem but are not dead.
- Wrap samples in dry newspaper or paper towels. DO NOT ADD WATER.
- If sending whole plants, tie a plastic bag around the root/soil ball, or package the root ball separately from the top of the plant.
- Turf: Cut at least a 5 x 5 inch square of turf, including roots, and package in a tightly sealed plastic bag.
- More than one plant problem? Place each problem in its own bag to avoid contaminating the other samples. Label each bag for your reference. All bags can be shipped together in the same box or envelope.
Fill out plant diagnostic form for each sample and ship the form(s) and sample(s) in a padded envelope or sturdy box to the address above.
Tips for Nematode Samples:
- Use nematode bags from your county Extension office, or quart-size sealable plastic bags.
- Fill bags with approximately 1 pint of soil.
- Label each bag for your reference.
- Take soil samples to a depth of 6-8 inches.
- Keep samples cool (do not freeze). Do not expose soil samples to high temperatures or direct sunlight. Do not let the samples dry out (make sure bags are sealed tightly). DO NOT ADD WATER.
Nematode Thresholds:
- Bentgrass Golf Course
- Bermudagrass (Golf Green)
- Corn
- Cotton
- Peaches
- Peanut
- Sorghum
- Soybean
- Sweet Potato
- Turfgrass
- Vegetable Garden
Private support for the diagnostic lab provided by:
Publications
Publication Number: F1139
Publication Number: F0448
Publication Number: F1178
Publication Number: P483
Publication Number: P3210
News
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering another year of free testing for often overlooked nematode pests that frequently cause poor crop performance.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service will offer free testing for a significant crop pest through Aug. 30, 2019.
Success Stories
David Fulgham did not hesitate to show his support for the Mississippi State University Extension Service Plant Pathology Diagnostic Lab when his chance came.
