Regional Pulse Crops Diagnostic Lab at Montana State serves northwestern U.S.

BOZEMAN - A laboratory at Montana State University that provides seed testing for pathogens affecting pulse crop productivity and trade invites growers in Montana and neighboring states to share samples for testing or reach out for diagnosis.

The Regional Pulse Crops Diagnostic Laboratory at MSU, which opened in 2014, is the only laboratory in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to diagnostics of pulses, a family of crops that includes chickpeas, lentils and field peas. The lab offers a range of diagnostic services for growers, from detecting Ascochyta blight and other fungal pathogens to bacterial, viral and nematode diseases. The lab provides services for Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon and Washington, as well as other pulse-growing regions. Its website features sample requirements, available tests, frequently asked questions and more resources.

Pulse seeds can be tested before and after growing seasons. Testing before planting with the Ascochyta-Plus test identifies healthy seeds and mitigates pathogen-related losses, while post-harvest testing for export purposes can identify nematodes.

Seed-transmitted pathogens can reduce pulse yield and seed quality.

"Planting disease-free seeds is crucial to prevent the introduction of new diseases and to prevent the propagation of existing infestations in fields," said Erin Gunnink, the lab's manager. "Additionally, importing countries have varying acceptable thresholds for seed-transmitted pathogens, requiring exporting countries to test their seed lots to certify that they do not exceed these thresholds or that pathogens are absent."

Gunnink said the diagnostic test growers often request is Ascochyta-Plus, which targets multiple seedborne diseases. The test provides information on the presence of Ascochyta blight, white mold, gray mold, Anthracnose and Stemphylium leaf blight on seeds. Nematode tests are also frequently used for seed export to other countries such as India and China.

"We typically receive 400-500 Ascochyta-Plus fungal assays per year to inform growers what their seed-transmitted pathogen concerns may be in the coming year," Gunnink said. "Our busiest season for these tests is February to March, and delays during this season are much longer than for samples sent to the lab in November or December. The earlier tests are sent, the faster we can turn results around."

She noted that nematode testing demand varies depending on tariffs in importing countries.

"Some years we've received over 600 requests; some years we've received two," she said. "The amount of seed required for testing is listed on our website. We do have the ability to test for pea seedborne mosaic virus and bacterial blight, as well, although these tests are typically rare and usually only needed in pea fields where symptoms for these diseases have been observed."

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Montana led the nation in 2025 in the production of dry peas, lentils and chickpeas, while neighboring states are also top producers of pulse crops.

For more information, contact the Regional Pulse Crops Diagnostic Laboratory by email at [email protected], call 406-994-7738 or visit the website at https://plantsciences.montana.edu/pulsecropdiagnosticlab/.