Lab collab

Invasive species impact environments by preying on native species, causing or carrying disease and killing plant life and crops in an area. Globally, the economic cost of invasive species has been estimated at $1.288 trillion over the past 50 years.

Entomologist Brian Kunkel and plant diagnostician Jill Pollok share a collaborative relationship that bridges insect and plant pathology in tackling the region's agricultural and ornamental challenges through University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. From diagnosing diseases in crops to identifying invasive species threatening local landscapes, they are the go-to Delaware experts in their respective fields, giving undergraduate students hands-on work experience along the way.

Pollok's Lab, the UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic, receives plant samples from homeowners, farmers and nurseries across Delaware and surrounding states. The team examines them for issues such as viruses, fungi and insect damage. Students in the Pollok Lab learn to use various molecular laboratory techniques to diagnose issues in plants so that homeowners and businesses can keep their plants healthy.