The Plant Industry Laboratory provides plant disease diagnostic services to all bureau programs and performs phytosanitary testing for export certification. Plant samples with diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses are submitted to the lab by DATCP nursery inspectors and field specialists who are trained to recognize potential disease issues. The lab uses microscopy, culturing, protein analysis, and DNA sequencing to identify and detect plant pathogens. Each year, more than 500 plant samples are processed as part of statewide surveys and inspections. Another 200-300 insect samples are identified in support of regulatory programs.
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