Diseases

General Information

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection works to control major plant pests (insects and diseases) that threaten Wisconsin’s crops, forests and plant communities. 

DATCP plant pest specialists conduct field surveys of Wisconsin crops. Survey activities involve sampling plants for diseases, trapping and identifying insects, and estimating insect populations and disease pressure on crops. 

Staff also inspect plant nurseries and Christmas tree farms and they also work with other state and federal partners to identify and to control invasive insects like gypsy moth or emerald ash borer or plant diseases such as Thousand Cankers Disease or Beech Bark Disease.