Plant Diagnostic Clinic Reopening! Meet the New Director, Dr. Peng Tian

Published: March 23, 2021

My name is Peng Tian and I am the new director of The Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) at the University of Missouri–Columbia. I started my work in the clinic on Feb 1, 2021 and will be responsible for coordinating daily operations of the laboratory, performing diagnosis and participating in training programs for agricultural stakeholders in Missouri.

I am from a farmer's family and born in the Shandong Province of China. My family farming life influenced me through my career. I went to Shandong Agricultural University for my Bachelor program in Bioengineering, and studied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry during my Master program at The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. With an interest in improving crop performance and food safety, I went to The University of Georgia for my PhD degree in Plant Pathology with research focusing on disease resistance of soybean against Asian Soybean Rust. Before graduation, I was given a precious opportunity to work at DuPont Pioneer Field Pathology & The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory where my interests in plant diagnosis were cultivated. After graduating from UGA, I worked at The University of Florida Plant Diagnostic Center as a plant diagnostician for three and half years before taking this position at the Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic.

Plant diagnosis to me is a very rewarding, because it allows me to both utilize my knowledge and training to help people to solve the plant health problems and continue to broaden my diagnostic skills and knowledge in becoming a better plant pathologist.

With my background in plant pathology and passion in plant diagnosis, I hope MU-PDC will become a valuable service for all Missourians by providing timely, accurate diagnosis and reporting. I welcome samples from government agencies, growers, industries and homeowners throughout the state and look forward to working with you.

The clinic is now open all year to receive samples. If you wish to drop your samples off, the drop-off time is 9AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday. The shipping address is below. We encourage you to visit our website (https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/plant-diagnostic-clinic ) and review submission guidelines before submitting your sample. If possible, you may take photos of your plants and send to plantclinic@missouri.edu.

For sample submission and fee payment, you can either:

1. Visit our new online submission system at https://extension.missouri.edu/services/plant-disease-sample. Fill out the submission form online using your computer or mobile device and make payment online securely with a credit card.
2. Download the pdf of the submission form at https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/plant-diagnostic-clinic/sample-submission. Fill it out and send to us together with your sample and payment. Check or money order. No cash please.

Contact information:
University of Missouri–Plant Diagnostic Clinic
28 Mumford Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-3019
Email: plantclinic@missouri.edu