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.
Clinic Fees - Plant Material Testing | ||
Each sample will be charged the base fee. If additional testing is needed to determine a diagnosis, one or more of the additional fees will be added to the base fee. | ||
Service | Fee | Description |
| Base Fee | $25 | Standard diagnosis; includes microscopy and basic culturing |
| Serological Virus Testing | $40/$20 | ELISA testing; $40 for first sample and $20 for each additional sample |
| Multiple Virus Panel | $75 | Includes testing for up to 4 viruses on a single sample |
| Molecular Testing | $50-$100 | Only available for select pathogens; fee determined by type of pathogen |
Clinic Fees - Nematode Soil Testing | ||
Applicable fee will be charged for each sample. | ||
Service | Fee | Description |
| Corn Nematode Assay | $60 | Testing for a variety of nematodes where corn will be planted; expect a delayed turnaround time |
| Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) Testing | Free | SCN egg counts where soybeans will be planted; testing funded by Nebraska Soybean Board's Checkoff program |
| Other Nematode Testing | $30-$80 | Pine wilt, turf nematodes, etc.; fee determined by type of nematode |
Questions on submitting a sample? Check out our page on CropWatch or contact us for more information.
Plant Sciences Hall is located at the intersection of N. 38th St. and Fair St. on UNL East Campus. From Holdrege St., turn towards the north and take the East Campus Loop to 38th St. Make a left and travel south towards the yellowish tan building. From Huntington Ave./Leighton Ave., turn onto 38th St. and travel south.
Parking is located just to the west of the building and just to the north of the building. The west parking lot has 20-minute drop-off zones in its northwest corner.
Room 448 on the west side of the building, just across from the elevator on the 4th floor.