Plant Diagnostic Clinic

About the Plant Diagnostic Clinic

The WVU Plant Diagnostic Clinic diagnoses all kinds of plant problems for homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, growers and farmers. In consultation with expert faculty, we recommend ways to treat or prevent the problems we diagnose. In 2018, more than 600 samples were diagnosed by the clinic.

How to submit your plant sample

Before you submit a sample, consider contacting your local Extension office to get help from your WVU Extension Agent or an Extension Master Gardener. An expert can diagnose many common plant disease and insect problems. If necessary, the agent or gardener can help you properly collect a submit a sample to the WVU Plant Diagnostic Clinic. After the diagnosis, they can recommend control methods that are suitable to your location and situation.

Watch a Video on How to Submit Samples

How to collect your plant sample

• Collect the whole diseased plants, plus healthy plant, if possible, include the roots. If a plant showing a systemic decline, the problem is likely originated from the root and root sample is a must. Collect more than one plant if they show various stages of decline.
• Do not collect sample from a plant that has been dead for a while, dying or declining plants or plants parts make a good sample.
• For plant identification, collect the whole plant, if possible, including flowers and fruit.
• Use the WVU Plant Diagnostic Clinic Submission Form to document your sample.
  

How to ship your plant sample

• Do not allow specimens to dry out or get too hot. Send specimens as soon as possible after collecting by placing in a plastic bag (sealed or zip-locked) and shipped immediately in a mailing tube or strong carton. Do not add moist paper or toweling in the plastic bag.
• Refrigerate any specimens that cannot be shipped immediately.
• Enclose the completed sample form and place them in a plastic bag to protect them from moisture and soil.
• To ensure timely delivery, send samples early in the week.

Where to mail your plant sample

WVU Plant Diagnostic Clinic
G102 South Agricultural Sciences Building
P.O. Box 6108
Morgantown, WV 26506

WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
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