The University of Maryland Plant Diagnostic Laboratory is temporarily closed due to the retirement of its director, Dr. Karen Rane. The search for a new director is underway, and the lab will re-open for sample submissions once that process is complete.
In the interim:
Home gardening inquiries: Maryland clients will continue to be served by the UMD Home and Garden Information Center’s Ask Extension website
Commercial plant problem samples: The following University labs in nearby states will accept samples from Maryland commercial clients and extension professionals. The clinic websites include information on sample submission and fees. Please contact the laboratories prior to sending samples for additional instructions.
University of Delaware Penn State University Virginia Tech
For a listing of University-based plant diagnostic laboratories throughout the US, check out the National Plant Diagnostic Network website
About
Established in 1979, the University of Maryland Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (PDL) provides plant problem diagnosis in support of University of Maryland Extension programs in agriculture and horticulture.
The University of Maryland Plant Diagnostic Laboratory provides plant problem diagnostic support and information to Extension educators, growers, businesses and citizens. Priority is given to samples from commercial clients.
Home gardeners can submit photos and gardening questions to the UMD Home and Garden Information Center website HERE.
Since 2002, the lab has also been an active member of the National Plant Diagnostic Network, which links together land-grant university plant diagnostic laboratories for the purpose of rapid detection of exotic and invasive plant pest species which pose a threat to U.S. agriculture. Laboratory staff also conduct educational programs on plant pathology topics for various audiences, and prepare fact sheets and other materials related to plant disease management.
