Plant Diagnostic Services for Vermont Commercial Growers
Having trouble identifying a disease, insect, or other plant health problem? The UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) works with Vermont growers to identify plant problems and provide science-based information to help guide management decisions.
Nationally Accredited Diagnostic Laboratory
Since 2026, the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic has been an accredited laboratory within the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). Accreditation demonstrates the Clinic’s commitment to nationally recognized practices for diagnostic quality, laboratory procedures, documentation, quality management, and diagnostic proficiency.
Before You Send Your Sample
For the best diagnosis, send material that is actively showing symptoms—not dead tissue. We cannot reliably determine the cause of disease from dead tissue alone. Whenever possible, include several examples showing both healthy and affected tissue and take photos before collecting the sample.
Background information is also an important part of the diagnostic process. Please provide as much information as possible about the host/crop, when symptoms first appeared, how the problem is distributed, growing conditions, recent weather or irrigation, and pesticide or other treatments. Complete the history section of the submission form as thoroughly as possible.
How to Submit a Sample
- Not sure what to send? Contact us first.
Email Giovanna Sassi at gsassi@uvm.edu with questions or to let us know a sample is coming. Photos of the whole plant, growing area, and close-ups of symptoms are very helpful. Photos may assist with preliminary evaluation, but a physical sample may be needed for a definitive diagnosis. - Send the best sample possible.
Complete a Specimen Submission Form (link below) for each specimen submitted. Whenever possible, submit the entire plant, including roots, stems, and foliage, to allow for a more thorough diagnosis. Select plants showing active symptoms, but avoid material that is completely dry, decayed, or dead. - Package your sample carefully.
Follow the collection and packaging instructions on the submission form. Do not add water to samples. When possible, package roots and soil separately from leaves and other above-ground plant material. - Ship promptly.
Send or deliver fresh samples as soon as possible after collection. Shipping early in the week is recommended so samples do not remain in transit over a weekend. - Diagnostic fee: $15 per specimen.
Payment may be made by check payable to UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Specialized testing may require an additional fee. We will contact you before proceeding with testing that would result in additional charges. - What happens next?
We will evaluate your sample using appropriate diagnostic methods and provide results by email, including management recommendations when appropriate. Most samples are completed within 5-10 business days of arrival. Samples requiring incubation, culturing, molecular testing, or other specialized procedures may take longer.
If a sample does not contain enough suitable material for diagnosis, we may ask you to submit another specimen.
Questions? We’re happy to help.
Not sure what to collect or whether your sample is appropriate for testing? Contact Giovanna Sassi at gsassi@uvm.edu before submitting. A quick conversation or a few photos can often help us determine the best material to send.
Specimen Submission Form
Download the Specimen Submission Form (PDF)
Contact Us
| Location information | Parking map |
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UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Parking: There is pay-by-space parking located to the left of Jeffords Hall. The clinic is located on the 2nd floor on the south side of the building. If no one is in the office please leave sample and submission form in the box next to lab door. | 
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We are a National Plant Diagnostic Network Accredited Laboratory, and a member of the National Plant Diagnostic Network. NPDN supports plant health and biosecurity in U.S. agricultural and natural ecosystems by providing expert diagnostic capacity, communication, coordination, and quality pest and disease diagnostic information.
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program project award no. 2024-70006-43502 from the the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.
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