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Plant Pathology

Scientists testing potatoes for various bacteria
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Plant Pathology

The Plant Pathology Laboratory (PPL) is responsible for identifying plant diseases and pests regulated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. PPL also collaborates with the Michigan State University Plant Diagnostic Lab, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and other researchers to develop unified responses to new invasive plant diseases.

NPDN Seal

MDARD Plant Pathology Laboratory is the first in the nation to be granted accreditation status under the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) Core Accreditation Program, effective October 1, 2024. The laboratory earned this accreditation by successfully developed and implemented a comprehensive quality management system, demonstrating its commitment to high standards in diagnosing plant diseases. The Core Accreditation ensures NPDN labs meet quality standards, demonstrate enhanced professionalism, and strengthen a state of readiness in performing timely and accurate detections while reducing the risk of exotic pathogens and pest establishments.

Contact:

Elizabeth Dorman, Pest Detection, Diagnostics, and Response Unit Manager
DormanE@Michigan.gov 517-449-8491

Stefanie Rhodes, Laboratory Scientist Manager
RhodesS2@Michigan.gov 517-449-7843

Heather Poyner, Laboratory Scientist
PoynerH@michigan.gov, 517-449-4589

Plant Pathology Laboratory
1615 South Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI  48823

Diagnostics

The Plant Pathology Laboratory provides three primary services: diagnostics, export certification, and surveys.

The PPL participates in the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN), working with over 70 diagnostic labs across the nation to detect, identify, and respond to new plant pests and pathogens which could impacting U.S. agriculture and the environment. MDARD’s PPL can test for all types of plant disease organisms (bacteria, fungi, phytoplasmas, and viruses) using a range of techniques, including microscopy, culture/isolation, serological tests, and molecular tests. The PPL also collaborates with the Michigan State University’s Plant Diagnostic Lab to homeowners and farmers with diagnosing disease problems.

Certification

Two inspectors looking at rows of blueberry bushes

Clean Plant Certification

Michigan is an active participant in the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN), an organization dedicated to safeguarding specialty crops by providing a sustainable source of clean plants. When plants are produced from a relatively small number of stock plants, it is important the stock plants are as healthy or “clean” as possible. Specialized virus certification programs are available in Michigan for blueberries, raspberries and/or blackberries to ensure clean stock is uses. Stock plants carrying a virus are not always easily identified but can cause harm if allowed to propagate.

A field of wheat ready to be harvested

Export Certification

When plants are shipped from Michigan to a different state or country, the destination location may require an inspection and certification to ensure they are free of plant pests. If an inspection is completed, plants will receive a health certificate, state phytosanitary certificate, or an export certificate.

A collection of colorful diseased maple leaves.

Surveys

Plant pathology survey work is closely linked to the USDA’s Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program, which identifies national, regional, and state plant pests of concern and provides program support to survey for those pests. In Michigan, pests of current survey interest include Phytophthora ramorum  (sudden oak death), Potato cyst nematode (PCN), and  Xylella fastidiosa.

Testing

A pile of various kinds of dried beans

Dry Bean Testing

Learn About Dry Bean Testing
A pile of potatoes in a lab. People are testing them for diseases and pathogens.

Potato Testing

Learn About Seed Potato Testing

Quick Links

Buggin' Out: Plant viruses can significantly impact our crops and food production, but are they also a threat to our health? We spoke with a plant pathologist to help us understand how to detect plant viruses. (video)

Invasives Watch List: Invasive species on the watch list have been identified as posing an immediate or potential threat to Michigan's economy, environment or human health.

MSU and MDARD Collaborate: The Plant Pathology Lab has collaborated for more than a decade with MSU Plant Pest Diagnostics to diagnose plant problems and provide aide to growers.

Plant Pathology Lab Receives NPDN Accreditation: MDARD’s Plant Pathology Laboratory Achieves Nation’s First Core Accreditation from the National Plant Diagnostic Network