Services - TREC Plant Diagnostic Clinic 

The TREC-PDC serves Florida Southern counties through the diagnosis of commercial, homeowner, and Extension plant diseases via samples submitted to the laboratory for turf, ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, and other plants. We serve farmers, greenhouse producers, landscape contractors, turf managers, arborists, nurseries, and others in agriculture and the green industries.

The Clinic is a facility of the Tropical Research and Education Center and a member of the Florida Plant Diagnostic Network. This alliance allows the clinic to maintain a strong connection with the leading researchers in the field of Plant Pathology. The clinic provides accurate plant diagnosis, prompt turn around time, professional services, and up-to-date management recommendations.

In addition, TREC-PDC personnel support the educational and outreach activities of the Department of Plant Pathology by providing internships for graduate students, through participation in departmental courses, and by providing Extension Agent training. We also provide workshops and seminars directed to commercial growers dedicated to ornamental, landscape, and tropical fruits.

• Services Overview
  • Analysis of plant material for plant pathogens.
  • We provide recommendations for appropriate control measures when available.
  • Specific areas of diagnostic expertise include:
  • Turf
  • Palm
  • Tropical and subtropical ornamentals
  • Tropical trees and fruit diseases.
  • Insect identification through referrals to other specialists located at TREC.
• Services Provided

  The following procedures are available upon specific request and only after discussion with TREC-PDC staff. These procedures are both time-consuming and more costly than the normal sample charge. Please refer to this Fee Structure_2023 form for the most up-to-date listing of tests available and pricing.

  1. Accurate diagnosis of the subspecies of fungus responsible for Fusarium wilt of Phoenix palms (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. canariensis) by PCR methods.
  2. Accurate diagnosis of the fungal species responsible for Laurel Wilt of Avocado (Raffaelea lauricola) by PCR methods.
  3. Molecular identification of causal agents of disease through DNA barcoding.
  4. Soil pH test.
• Services NOT Provided

  Presently, the TREC-PDC does not routinely provide the following service to clientele:

  1. Pesticide residue determinations in or on plants and soil.
  2. Soil Nutrient levels, soluble salts, or plant tissue analysis for macro or minor elements.
  3. Microbe identification from non-plant samples.
  4. Toxic plant identifications or mycotoxin analysis.
  5. Laboratory verification of the phytoplasma responsible for lethal yellowing disease of palms (samples should be submitted to Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center).