We help individuals address plant and pest issues. For a nominal fee, our lab evaluates physical samples, provides accurate diagnoses or identifications, and offers effective control recommendations. While we strive for precise results, some cases may not yield a clear answer. If that happens, we’ll do our best to rule out possible causes and guide you with the best information available.
Services offered
- Plants or plant parts for pathogen, nematode and insect analysis.
- Soil and tissue samples for nematode analysis.
- Insects, mites, ticks, spiders and other arthropods for identification.
- Plants and weeds for identification.
- Weeds for herbicide resistance screening.
- Industrial hemp (must have grower registration or processor-handler license) MDARD Industrial Hemp licensing in Michigan.
Note: If a pest or pathogen of regulatory concern is detected in a sample, we are obligated to notify the proper regulatory officials (ex. MDARD, USDA).
Services not offered
- We CANNOT ACCEPT MARIJUANA samples due to MSU compliance with federal policy.
- Soil and plant nutrient analysis. (Soil testing offered through MSU Extension)
- Mushroom identification.
- Identification of household mold.
- Pesticide residue / Mycotoxin testing.
- Examination of bites or skin irritations on humans and animals.
- Nutritional analysis of hay.
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Not your mother’s Roundup
Published on May 8, 2025
The ingredients in Roundup branded products have changed. What does that mean for you? -
Beyond boxwood: Alternative landscape shrubs for Michigan gardeners
Published on March 13, 2025
Pests like the box tree moth are making homeowners wonder what they can plant that will give a similar look and feel to boxwood in their gardens. -
What You Need to Know About Michigan’s Ticks
Published on May 23, 2023
Learn what to expect when entering a forest, methods of tick identification, ways to avoid tick bites, as well as information on Lyme disease.
Michigan State University Plant & Pest Diagnostics is supported by funding from Project GREEEN, MSU Extension and the National Plant Diagnostic Network.
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