Plant & Pest Diagnostics

We help individuals address plant and pest issues.  For a nominal fee, our lab evaluates physical samples, provides accurate diagnoses or identifications, and offers effective control recommendations. While we strive for precise results, some cases may not yield a clear answer. If that happens, we’ll do our best to rule out possible causes and guide you with the best information available.

Important Update: Changes to Billing of Nematode Testing for Michigan Soybean Growers

Due to budget changes, the Michigan Soybean Committee has ended funding for SCN-type tests effective immediately and will phase out support for SCN nematode testing by the end of 2025. Growers who wish to take advantage of MSC-sponsored testing before the funding ends are asked to limit submissions to 10 samples per grower.  For more details, please see Changes to Billing of SCN Samples for Michigan Soybean Growers.

Services offered

• Plants or plant parts for pathogen, nematode and insect analysis.
• Soil and tissue samples for nematode analysis.
• Insects, mites, ticks, spiders and other arthropods for identification.
• Plants and weeds for identification.
• Weeds for herbicide resistance screening.
• Industrial hemp (must have grower registration or processor-handler license) MDARD Industrial Hemp licensing in Michigan.

Note: If a pest or pathogen of regulatory concern is detected in a sample, we are obligated to notify the proper regulatory officials (ex. MDARD, USDA).

Services not offered

• We CANNOT ACCEPT MARIJUANA samples due to MSU compliance with federal policy.
• Soil and plant nutrient analysis. (Soil testing offered through MSU Extension)
• Mushroom identification.
• Identification of household mold.
• Pesticide residue / Mycotoxin testing.
• Examination of bites or skin irritations on humans and animals.
• Nutritional analysis of hay.