Diagnostic Clinic

The in-house plant and pest diagnostic clinic utilizes visual diagnostics only.  Forms can be requested from our office.  PDF forms for samples are available below.

Note: we cannot accept human tissue samples or give opinions or suggestions on medical conditions.

Most samples will be looked at within two business days.  More difficult assessments require more time.  Samples requiring growth in a moist chamber can take ten to fourteen days.  Since we maintain a full schedule, call ahead to see if staff will be available to evaluate your sample.

Fill out as much of the information as you can and drop off or send the sample to Ohio State University - Lorain County, 42110 Russia Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.

The quality of any diagnosis depends upon the quality of the sample.  Please provide a generous sample which includes both infected and non-infected tissues.

The ability to make a diagnosis often hinges on the quality of the sample and information provided.  One leaf or a single squashed insect is not sufficient to provide a diagnosis.  The best samples contain both infested and non-infested tissue.

Do not ...
...send an insect taped to an index card, it will be flat upon arrival.
...wrap a leaf in moist paper; it will be mush before it gets here.

Do...
...protect and pad the sample before mailing.
...fill out forms as complete as possible.
...include an email address, as more information may be required.  Note: if you provide your email we can include more detailed information in our response.

We cannot...
...determine what type of herbicide was sprayed on a plant.
...identify specimens beyond the genus.

Access to a complete diagnostic lab is available from C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic.  Fees vary by type of sample and tests requested.

Insect Identification

Insect Identification Form in PDF Format

• Soft-bodied insects and pests (aphids, thrips, maggots, ants, ticks, lice, grubs, etc.) should be in 70% ethyl alcohol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or clear 100 proof liquor in a sealed jar.  Caterpillars should be dropped into very hot water (boiled) before placing in alcohol to preserve their color.
• Hard-bodied insects (beetles, flies, wasps, moths or cockroaches) should be killed in rubbing alcohol and submitted in a dry container.
• Do not tape insects to paper.  No live insects will be accepted!

Plant Identification

Plant Identification Form in PDF Format

• Plants may only be identified to the genus level.
• It is unlikely that a plant can be identified to the variety or cultivar.
• Please provide flowers as well as leaves, stems and buds, if possible.
• For grass samples, provide a seed head if available.
• Provide fresh sample, but do not wrap in moist paper or the sample may rot.

Plant Disease Identification

Plant Problem Diagnosis Form in PDF Format

• Select material showing the symptoms in question.  Bring several samples in different stages of disease development.  Do not bring totally rotten, decayed or dead material.
• Bring entire plant when possible.  Dig, do not pull plants, to keep roots intact.  Remove excess soil with gentle shaking or wash with water.  Wrap roots so that soil does not come loose.
• Large trees and shrubs can't be brought in whole.  Bring sample that shows both healthy tissue and diseased tissue.  Include some roots when possible, putting them in a jar or sturdy bag.
• Do not wrap your specimen in plastic wrap or a baggie - it will rot.

If Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease or Verticillium Wilt are suspected, select samples from branches with wilted, yellow or dying leaves, but not dead leaves.  Cut several sections 8 inches long and one-half to one inch in diameter.

Lawn and Turfgrass Problems

Lawn and Turfgrass Problem Diagnosis Form in PDF Format

• Provide a 6 inch by 6 inch square of turf with about 2 inches of underlying soil.
• Include the problem area as well as the transition area into healthy turf.
• Do not bring in totally rotted or decayed turf.
• Please provide more than just a few leaves or grass plants.
• Provide a copy of your most recent soil test, if available.