The MSU-ES plant disease and nematode clinic provides detailed, accurate, and timely analyses of soil and plant samples. The clinic also serves as the Mississippi Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industries (MDAC-BPI) regulatory plant pathology lab. 

On a national level, the lab is a member of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). NPDN was established in compliance with the homeland security initiative. NPDN protects U.S. agriculture by detecting high consequence pests and pathogens that have been introduced into agricultural and natural ecosystems. 

See the types of pathogens/problems found on each plant host submitted beginning in 2015.  The general format of the lists shows the common name for the disease, followed by the scientific name of the pathogen, followed by a number in parentheses that indicates the number of times this problem was diagnosed in the lab.

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:

• See the Plant Diagnostic Clinic Fee Schedule

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 39762-9612
(662) 325-2146
(662) 325-8336 (Fax)

Forms:

• Plant Disease Sample Submission Form
• Nematode Soil Sample Form

Tips for Plant Disease Samples:

• 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