UW Extension’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic Offers Free Identification Services

University of Wyoming Extension has reopened its Plant Diagnostic Clinic, which assesses plant samples that may harbor diseases.

Based in Laramie but serving communities statewide, the Plant Diagnostic Clinic supports county extension educators and community members by diagnosing possible diseases in any type of plant, including houseplants, turf, row crops, forages and even trees.

The clinic also provides disease management suggestions. Recommendations could include chemical controls, alternative irrigation practices or resistant plant varieties to grow instead.

Plant diagnostic services are free and open to any member of the public, from home gardeners to commercial producers. However, those interested in submitting samples are encouraged to reach out to their local extension offices before contacting the diagnostic clinic directly.

"The first point of contact should be someone in your county," says Jean Williams-Woodward, UW Extension plant pathologist and director of the Plant Diagnostic Clinic. "A lot of times, county educators know what's specifically happening in their county."

For example, if a county is experiencing a wave of a particular plant problem, a local extension educator could likely provide a diagnosis more quickly than the diagnostics team in Laramie. If county educators cannot provide answers, they can facilitate contacting the clinic for assistance.

After submitting samples, submitters and county educators will receive official reports with plant diagnoses and recommendations.

For more information, visit the UW Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic website at https://www.wyoextension.org/plantclinic/ or call Williams-Woodward at (307) 766-2062.

About University of Wyoming Extension

University of Wyoming Extension serves Wyoming communities by helping residents apply university research and resources to practical problems. Since 1914, UW Extension has provided educational programs and tools to the state's 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. From 4-H programming and pesticide safety education to food preservation and nutrition courses, Extension upholds the university's land-grant mission by offering learning opportunities for people of all ages. UW Extension staff help Wyoming residents boost agricultural production, care for lawns and gardens, cultivate future leaders, support individual and community well-being, and develop thriving businesses. To learn more, visit https://www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124.