Diagnostics Lab

The UMass Plant Disease Diagnostic and Nematode Assay Lab is located in the Umass Extension Diagnostic Lab in the Holdsworth Natural Resources Center on the Amherst campus. The lab accepts specimens from the greenhouse and vegetable industries. Nematode assays are carried out for all crops. Microscopy, and laboratory identification of fungi, bacteria and nematodes are routinely carried out. Some virus testing is done in-house. There is a $50.00 fee for a diagnosis. It is recommended that you call Bess Dicklow (413) 577-1827 or Rob Wick (413) 545-1045 before sending or delivering a specimen. Specimens can be submitted by mail or in person. If sent by mail, they should be mailed for next-day delivery. No diagnostic services are available for the general public.

Plant Problem Diagnostics Webpage

How to Submit Samples

Send samples to:

Umass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab

Holdsworth Natural Resources Center

160 Holdsworth Way

University of Massachusetts

Amherst, MA 01003-9285

Phone: (413) 545-3208

Fax: (413) 545-4385

Instructions for submitting samples

Case-history: A complete case-history of your crop can be very important for an accurate diagnosis. Information should include: herbicides used for present and previous year, previous crops, soil type and drainage, prevailing environmental conditions, development and distribution of symptoms in the field (random, uniform, clumped) and variety of plant. Include any other information that may be useful.

Collecting and mailing the specimen: Before collecting the specimen call Bess Dicklow (413) 577-1827 to discuss the problem and to make sure he will be available when the specimen arrives. Collect specimens that show a range of symptoms but avoid very rotten specimens. Mail the specimen on the same day or store it in a refrigerator and mail the next day. Overnight mail is preferred since the specimen will arrive in better condition. Specimens can also be brought directly to the lab which is located in the Holdsworth Natural Resources Cneter, UMass campus. If no one is in the lab when you arrive, leave the specimen with accompanying information in the lab, or if the door is locked, on the floor in front of the door. Specimens should be received by the lab Monday through Thursday. Specimens that arrive Friday may not be processed until Monday.

The Case History form for submitting samples: Case History Form

Collecting and packaging specimens

Leaf spots and blights: Select leaves which show a range of symptom development. Specimens that are dead or dry are of little diagnostic value. Place leaves between sheets of newspaper or inside a magazine. Place the package in a plastic bag, then into the envelope for mailing. Never wrap leaves in wet paper towels.

Fruit rots: Select early stages of disease rather than badly rotted tissue. With large fruit such as a pumpkin, cut the affected area out with a knife, but include some healthy tissue. Wrap fruit or sections in newspaper and place in a plastic bag for mailing.

Stem cankers: When a canker occurs on a large plant such as a pumpkin vine, cut a section of the stem with the symptoms (be sure to include healthy tissue adjacent to the canker), wrap in newspaper and place in a plastic bag.

Wilt, crown rot and root rot: If the plants are 1 foot in height or less, submit the entire plant. Dig the plant including a good handful of the root system. Leave the soil on the roots. Place the root/soil ball into a plastic bag and tie off at the crown to prevent soil from spilling out. Wrap in newspaper and place in plastic bag.

Scorch, defoliation and poor growth: These symptoms are usually caused by nutritional or environmental factors. They may also be the result of root rot or vascular disease. Collect a specimen as for wilt (above), be sure to submit a soil sample to the soil testing laboratory. A tissue analysis may also be advisable. Call the soils lab (413) 545-2311 for advice on collecting tissues for tissue analysis.