The University of Wyoming Extension has re-opened its Plant Diagnostic Clinic, which assesses plant samples that may harbor diseases.
Based in Laramie but serving communities statewide, the Plant Diagnostic Clinic supports county extension educators and community members by diagnosing possible diseases in any type of plant, including houseplants, turf, row crops, forages, and even trees.
The clinic also provides disease management suggestions. Recommendations could include chemical controls, alternative irrigation practices, or resistant plant varieties to grow instead.
Plant diagnostic services are free and open to any member of the public, from home gardeners to commercial producers. However, those interested in submitting a sample are encouraged to reach out to their local extension office before contacting the diagnostic clinic directly.
“The first point of contact should be someone in your county,” says Jean Williams-Woodward, UW Extension plant pathologist and director of the Plant Diagnostic Clinic. “A lot of times county educators know what’s specifically happening in their county.” For example, if a county is experiencing a wave of a particular plant problem, a local extension educator could likely provide a diagnosis more quickly than the diagnostics team in Laramie.
If a county educator cannot provide an answer, they can facilitate contacting the clinic for assistance.
After submitting samples, submitters and county educators will receive an official report with a plant diagnosis and recommendations.
For more information, visit the plant diagnostic website at https://wyoextension.org/plantclinic or contact Jean Williams-Woodward at (307) 766-2062.
