Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic

Plants and a microscope
448 Plant Sciences Hall
1875 North 38th Street
Lincoln, NE  68583-0722
(402) 472-2559

Email Us

The Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic provides plant diagnostic support for Nebraskans and to the county and area extension personnel. The P&PDC is operated by Extension and offers skilled and objective diagnostic services by professionals collaborating between the Departments of Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy (Weed Science) and Horticulture.  In addition to accurate diagnosis of your pest problems, you will be provided with the most current information and recommendations.

Plant Pathology - services are provided for any type of plant, including field crops, turfgrass, fruits, ornamentals, trees, vegetables and others.  Diseases are caused by biotic or living agents such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses.  Diseases are also caused by abiotic, or non-living factors such as nutrient deficiencies, temperature stress, water stress or a combination of several of these factors.  Diagnosis takes into account biotic and abiotic causes and information regarding management of the problem is provided.

Entomology - provide identification and information on insects, mites, spiders and other related arthropods.  Samples may be submitted from a variety of indoor and outdoor sources, including field and horticulture crops, ornamentals, structural and aquatic environments, as well as human, livestock and pets.

Weed Science - provides dependable diagnostic information involving weed identification or herbicide injury.  Herbicide injury is determined solely on a visual inspection of the plant sample provided and no chemical analysis performed.  Chemical and cultural control practices accompany weed identification.  In addition, information can be provided on herbicide use and symptoms of herbicide injury.

Horticulture - provides answers relating to the culture and identification of vegetables, fruits, houseplants, flowers, trees, vines and shrubs.