Mizzou Plant Diagnostic Clinic 2015

Published: March 16, 2015

Sudden Death Syndrome on soybean. Photo by Daren Mueller Bugwood.org.

The Mizzou Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) is open all year to receive plant samples that are affected by a disease or disorder.  The PDC can also identify pesky weeds, plants of interest, mushrooms, and insects or spiders.  Last year the Clinic processed 445 samples: 46% of these were agronomic crops, mostly soybeans and corn.  A large number of soybean samples were diagnosed with Sudden Death Syndrome in 2014, as the cooler than normal weather promoted high disease pressure.  In corn, Northern Corn Leaf Blight was most problematic and we had the first positive confirmation, via molecular testing, of Goss’s Wilt.  Goss’s Wilt was diagnosed in several northern Missouri counties ranging from the Northwest corner of the state to St. Charles County.  More information on Goss’s Wilt can be found here: https://ipm.missouri.edu/croppest/2014/8/Goss_s-Bacterial-Wilt-and-Leaf-Blight-of-Corn/.

Goss’ bacterial wilt on corn. Photo by Connie Tande Bugwood.org.

The PDC is open all year.  It is encouraged that you get a diagnosis before applying pesticides, as this allows for selection of a product that will most effectively control the precise pest problem.  The PDC is open for sample drop off, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.  A sample can also be mailed directly to the PDC or dropped off at your local extension office.  If possible, take a picture of the sick plant before digging it up; if several plants are affected a picture of the entire planting is also encouraged.  Pictures may be submitted in an email to plantclinic@missouri.edu, printed and submitted with the sample or supplied on a flash drive.  As always, please include a Submission Form, which has been filled out as completely as possible, with the sample. Submission Forms and information on how to collect and ship samples can be found on the website: www.plantclinic.missouri.edu, or at your local Extension Office.

MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic
28 Mumford Hall
Columbia, MO  65211
phone: (573) 882-3019
email: plantclinic@missouri.edu