MSU Diagnostic Hot Topics Page

Diagnostic Lab

Hotline

Our Master Gardener volunteers are here to answer your horticultural questions every Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the gardening season (April 1st to October 31st). You can reach our hotline at our office phone number, (810) 989-6935.

Diagnotic Lab

Our Diagnostic Lab identifies plant materials, pests, and diseases. We also make recommendations for control of pests and diseases. Samples can be dropped off for analysis by the Lab during our business hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All samples must be in clear, sealed, glass or plastic containers. All samples must be accompanied by a Diagnostic Intake Form (pdf file), available at our front counter. A fee of three dollars will be charged for each sample. We ask that you follow certain guidelines when taking samples for analysis.

To view the Diagnostic Intake Form online, you will need

Guidelines for Collecting Diagnostic Lab Samples
Insects and other animals:	Please don't squish the creatures, we need all parts of the organism to identify it properly. If you must kill, do so by freezing for a couple of days or by suffocating in sealed plastic.
Turfgrass:	Large samples of turfgrass are required for proper analysis. We request that you cut a one foot square from the affected area, at the margin between healthy and diseased turf. Dig down to include about two inches of soil and roots with your sample. Please bring your sample in a plastic garbage bag, clear or opaque is fine.
Plant tissues:	We need any evidence you can safely bring in. For trees, please bring a small branch with leaves and twigs still attached. If the entire tree is suffering, take a picture of it and bring that in with the branch sample.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested three days before the event by calling to make the arrangements, requests received after three days will be met when possible.

Contact Us & Directions