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.
October is the prime time to collect and submit weed seeds for herbicide resistance screening. We request that all samples be submitted by mid-November to ensure testing during the winter months.
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.
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Suspect herbicide resistance? Submit weed seeds for screening
Published on October 1, 2025
October is the prime time to collect and submit weed seeds for herbicide resistance screening. -
What You Need to Know About Michigan’s Ticks
Published on July 25, 2025
Learn what to expect when entering a forest, methods of tick identification, ways to avoid tick bites, as well as information on Lyme disease. -
Not your mother’s Roundup
Published on May 8, 2025
The ingredients in Roundup branded products have changed. What does that mean for you? -
Beyond boxwood: Alternative landscape shrubs for Michigan gardeners
Published on March 13, 2025
Pests like the box tree moth are making homeowners wonder what they can plant that will give a similar look and feel to boxwood in their gardens.
Michigan State University Plant & Pest Diagnostics is supported by funding from Project GREEEN, MSU Extension and the National Plant Diagnostic Network.
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