The University of Illinois Plant Clinic will open this year on May 1. There have been many changes over the past winter, including the use of a new regional software requiring data reporting on a national level. Some new equipment has been purchased, and the clinic has been gearing up to handle some new potential pathogens in Illinois, including the possibility of soybean rust and sudden oak death coming to our state. Already this past winter, the clinic was involved with an outbreak of Ralstonia on greenhouse geranium production. We are part of the National Plant Diagnostic Network and will have news to report as the season progresses.

On a client level, fees have changed only slightly to accommodate the increased use of ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing. In the past, some ELISA test kits were used at no additional cost to the consumer. This new fee line will help us cover our costs but will affect only those requesting ELISA testing. Clinic fees for 2004 are as follows:

General diagnosis (including cultures) $12.50

SCN or PWN* $18.75

ELISA tests* $25.00

Other nematodes (usually corn) $40.00

*SCN indicates the assay for soybean cyst nematode. PWN indicates pinewood nematode analysis. ELISA tests are specific serological tests. Call first if uncertain of testing needed.

As in the past, payment must accompany the sample for diagnosis to be initiated. Checks should be made payable to the University of Illinois or to the Plant Clinic. Please don’t send anything until May 1, 2004. The Plant Clinic Web site is located at http://plantclinic.cropsci.uiuc.edu/.