How to Submit a Sample to the UPPDL
NOTICE: OUR LAB HAS MOVED
Due to construction, our lab has moved from the Biology and Natural Resources Building (BNR) (RM 203) to the Life Sciences Building (LSB). The UPPDL is no longer accessible to the general public due to security features of the building. If you'd like to personally deliver a sample to the UPPDL, samples can be placed in the Life Sciences Building "Copy Room" (room 351) on the south side of the third floor. In the copy room, place samples on the counter space on the south side of the room next to the "Plant Pest Clinic" sign. While we will check this area daily for samples, please let us know that you have submitted a sample by sending an email to utahpestlab@gmail.com. The office will be available for sample drop-off between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm every day, excluding holidays. Please include a sample submission form and payment with all submitted samples. Our lab should return to its original location (BNR 203) in October 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please note that if you are mailing a sample, that the UPPDL address has not changed.
The fee structure for mail and walk-in samples is stated below. Please note that turfgrass samples fall under the "basic services" category; the UPPDL does not culture for turfgrass fungal diseases.
- $10.00
- Basic services (visual/microscopic examination, pest ID & management).
- This includes, but is not limited to, all turf grass samples (the UPPDL does not culture turf diseases) and arthropod (insect, spider, mite, etc.) identifications.
- Most samples submitted fall under "basic services".
- $15.00*
- Basic services + disease culturing.
- $30.00*
- Basic services + DNA/virus testing
Cash or check only; we do not accept credit cards. Make checks payable to the "UPPDL".
*Before submitting a sample for disease culturing ($15) or DNA/Virus testing ($30):
Contact our lab (435-797-2435 or ryan.davis@usu.edu) or visit your local county Extension office to discuss the sample/issue. We do not test for all diseases so your sample should be pre-screened.
If you submit a sample for disease culturing, DNA or virus testing without contacting the lab prior to submission and we cannot perform the desired test, we will conduct the "basic services" listed above.
No refund for overpayment of testing services will be given.
List of What the UPPDL Does Not Test For:
Human pathogens or parasites
- We do not accept samples containing human skin, secretions, blood, etc.
- For these types of diagnostics please see your medical care provider.
- We do accept samples of ticks, bed bugs, fleas, bird mites, etc. collected from
the home or structure that are submitted in a vial containing ethanol or rubbing alcohol.
Food pathogens
Verticillium for alfalfa export certification
Verticillium (with excpetions; please call prior to submitting)
Dutch Elm Disease
Bacterial leaf scorch
Phythophthora
Fungi or pathogens in soil (we only test plant tissues, not soil)
Herbicides
Soil dwelling nematodes (we do test for plant-pathogenic nematodes)
Plant or soil nutrients (contact the usual.usu.edu for nutrient testing)
If we can not perform the desired testing, please contact one of the following labs for further assistance:
General Instructions for Submitting a Sample:
Complete the submission form (pdf format) and include with your sample. Additional information can be added to the back of the form; please indicate on the front of the form if you have written on the back.
Provide images via email, or printed and included with your sample.
- Type of images:
- Include a range of perspectives of the plant, turf area or damage, from close-up to over-all pictures of the yard or area of interest.
- We are interested in seeing the damage but equally interested in the surroundings (overall environment) of the plant and property, etc.
- Close-ups of dead grass or dead branches/leaves do not typically help with diagnosis.
Email images to utahpestlab@gmail.com.
Instructions for Submitting an Arthropod Sample
Instructions for Submitting a Plant Disease Sample
Sample Submission Form
Mail Samples To:
Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab
5305 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
Sensitive plant tissues or living organisms should be shipped via expedited mail service (e.g. overnight or 1- to 2-day shipping), especially during hot summer months when samples can be destroyed by prolonged delivery.
Walk-In Samples:
Our lab has moved, please see instructions above.
How Long do I Have to Wait for a Diagnosis?
Normally, you will receive a response within 2 weeks of submitting your sample depending on the types of tests needed. Expect longer for plant pathology submissions.