MSU Diagnostic Hot Topics Page

Diagnostic Lab

Hotline

Our Master Gardener volunteers are here to answer your horticultural questions one or two days a week during the months of August and September, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon. To contact the hotline call (810) 989-6935. If a Master Gardener volunteer is not in the office when you call, you will be advised to call back on the anticipated day(s) they will be here that week.

Diagnotic Lab

Our Diagnostic Lab will help to identify pests or diseases along with providing a resource of possible control methods; however, we will limit the acceptance of samples brought in to Monday through Wednesday morning. The cost to have a sample diagnosed locally is $3. All plant samples must be dry (discouraging mold growth) and in clear, sealed glass or plastic containers. Samples must be accompanied by a completed Diagnostic Intake Form available at our front counter or on line in a pdf file format. Residents may also send the sample to the Michigan State University Horticulture Lab at their own expense (mailing/handling) - a brochure on those details will be provided. We do ask that you please follow certain guidelines when obtaining samples for analysis - please see table below for specifics!

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.

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