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How to reach us:
Florida Extension
Plant Diagnostic Clinic                            Tel: 850-875-7140
University of Florida                                Fax: 850-875-7188
IFAS / NFREC                                         TMOMOL@UFL.EDU
155 Research Road                                 WADAN@MAIL.IFAS.UFL.EDU
Quincy, FL 32351

Directions:
On I-10, take Exit 181 (Old 26), turn toward Quincy, NFREC is 1/4 mile after Exit 181 on your left.

The Florida Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic (FEPDC) at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), Quincy is designed to provide plant disease and insect diagnostic services for any Florida resident interested in plant diseases and pests. The Clinic is a facility of NFREC and the Department of Plant Pathology at University of Florida/IFAS. This partnership allows the clinic to maintain a strong connection with the leading extension specialists and researchers in the field of Plant Pathology, Entomology, Nematology, Horticultural Sciences and Agronomy.

Diagnosis is the process of identifying a pathogen based on a combination of the symptoms of disease and signs of causal agent. The Clinic promotes an "identify the problem before taking any control action" attitude. Efficient integrated pest management is dependent upon accurate knowledge of pathogens or causal agents. Knowing the pest before taking action provides efficient use and selection of appropriate IPM methods. In many situations, management of pests have been unsuccessful because of incorrect diagnosis.

Our services include analysis of plant material for fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens as well suggesting appropriate control recommendations when available based on UF/IFAS pest management guides. Other than classical diagnostic techniques, PCR, ELISA and MIDI are being used for specific and sensitive detection and identification of plant pathogens. Samples come from Extension Faculty, Growers, IPM Providers, Pest Control and Landscape Maintenance Companies, Retailers, Golf Courses, Researchers, and Homeowners.

The Plant Diagnostic Clinic works primarily through Extension county offices in Florida. If there is an office near you, you may want to contact them for assistance with your plant disease or pest problems. The University of Florida/IFAS Extension personnel will be able to help you immediately.

A web-based Distance Diagnostic and Identification System ( DDIS ), for the diagnosis of pest problems based on the electronic transmission of digital images has already been created and is currently operational in Florida counties. In 1999, the Clinic at the NFREC started receiving digital images of plant samples to enhance diagnostic capabilities. If you would like to learn more about how to submit plant disease samples using DDIS please contact your county extension office.

You can also visit to quickly access information on Plant Diagnostic Clinic and services offered. Please follow the instructions for submitting samples carefully. It is very difficult to make a diagnosis if a sample is improperly collected, packed, and/or shipped. The clinic provides accurate plant disease diagnosis, professional services, and up-to-date control recommendations.