Issue 1, April 22, 2021

University of Illinois Plant Clinic Operations 2021

Normally, this would be the time to welcome spring and remind people of how to submit a sample to the Plant Clinic. We are open and accepting samples. However, we are also operating a bit differently in accordance to University and state guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plant Clinic services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed, and chemical injury problems (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used at the Plant Clinic. Many samples can be diagnosed within a few days. We are operating with reduced staff due to University guidelines for social distancing. We are doing our best to continue to diagnose samples in a timely manner. Should culturing be necessary, isolates may not be ready to make a final reading for 10-14 days. Nematode processing may also require a few days to a few weeks depending on the procedure. Final reports include identification and diagnoses, along with management recommendations for treatment of the pest or pathogen problem.

Please refer to our website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/plantclinic/ for additional details on samples, sample forms, fees, and services offered. If you have questions about what, where, when, or how to sample call us at 217-333-0519. When submitting a sample, please provide as much information as possible on the pattern of injury in the planting, the pattern on individual affected plants, and details describing how symptoms have changed over time to cause you concern. Pictures of the affected plants or areas can also be sent with the sample to give us a better idea of what is occurring in the environment. Physical samples take priority. While we do try to respond quickly to email and phone messages, due to the reduced staff this summer they may take longer than usual.

Our fees vary depending on the procedure necessary. Please note, our prices increased slightly this year. General diagnosis including culturing is $18, ELISA and other serological testing is $25, nematode analysis for SCN or PWN is $25, specialty nematode testing (such as corn) is $45, and SCN resistant screens are $60-120 depending on size. Please contact us if you are uncertain of which test is needed. Checks can be made to the University of Illinois Plant Clinic, and credit card payments are now accepted online after a sample is completed.

Submitting samples

Samples can be submitted by mail or dropped off at the Plant Clinic with slight changes in procedure:

Mail Samples:

  • Samples can be mailed via USPS, UPS, and FedEx as usual.

Drop-off Samples:

  • Samples can be left in a large, green, drop-off box located at the south doors of Turner Hall (opposite the greenhouse). A map of the drop-off location is pictured below. Sample submission forms and pens are available in the box. The box is checked daily.

The Plant Clinic is running on a reduced staff in accordance with social distancing guidelines. As a result, fewer staff are in the lab and we have a reduced ability to return phone calls. We ask that clients please send emails to plantclinic@illinois.edu which can be replied to by staff members even when we are not present in the lab. However, if you do not have access to email, you may call and leave a voicemail with your question and contact information, and a staff member will call them back when we are able.

University of Illinois Plant Clinic Contact Information

Website: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/plantclinic/
Email: plantclinic@illinois.edu
Mailing Address:
University of Illinois Plant Clinic
S-417 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: 217-333-0519


Plant Clinic Drop-off Box Location

Return to table of contents