Diagnostic Resources

The following resources are part of Cornell University.

• Plant Identification from the Extension Botanist at the L.H. Bailey Hortorium
• Plant Disease and Nematode ID at the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic

• Insect ID at the Department of Entomology

• Soil and Leaf Tissue Nutrient Analysis at the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratories

For Insect Pests: a new telephone diagnostic service is available starting June 1, 1999, through Cornell University's Department of Entomology. A diagnostician will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m.- noon and 1- 4 p.m. to help with insect pest questions. The fee is $10.00 per call, and you will need to have your MasterCard, Visa or Discover card available when you call. To reach a diagnostician, call Tuesday or Thursday between 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4 p.m. at (607) 255-4777.

If you need an identification of an insect, send a sample for identification. The fee is $25.00 per sample. Send an insect/arthropod wrapped gently in tissue and placed in a crush proof container. Larvae or soft bodied insects can be placed in rubbing alcohol in a small vial, then placed in a box and sent. Mail to: Insect Diagnostic Laboratory Department of Entomology 4140 Comstock Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-0901. For all samples, be sure to include a description of the problem, your name and return address, and payment made out to "Cornell University". Questions can be directed to Carolyn Klass, Diagnostician for Insect Pests, 607-255-3144.

For identification and descriptions of Plant Diseases, visit the Plant Disease Diagnostic Center Website, for generic information and an alphabetical listing of Plant Disease Diagnostic Fact Sheets. If you need to send in a sample of an infected plant, the information on the site regarding Fees, Sample Submission methods, and the Sample Submission Form will assist you. You can also contact Karen Sirois, Diagnostician for Plant Diseases, 607-255-7850.

If you need assistance with the identification of diseases, insects, chemical injury and physiological disorders that affect berry crops in northeastern North America and eastern Canada, access The Berry Diagnostic Tool.

Diagnosing Vegetable Problems By: Dr. Steven Reiners, Dept of Horticultural Science, Cornell University. "What's wrong with these plants?" is a phrase gardeners ask themselves every summer. Often, with a little common sense and some keen observation, it is easy to find the answer. This site is a guideline that home gardeners may find useful in diagnosing problems.

If you have pest problems with Fruit Trees or Shade Trees, you may be able to diagnose the problem yourself with the aid of the following websites. These sites provide illustrated keys that will take you step-by-step through the symptoms that your trees may be showing. The Home and Garden Information Center also has information on Beneficial Insects.

West Virginia University's Kearneysville Tree Fruit Research and Education Center

University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center's Plant Diagnostic Web Site

For aid in the identification of common weeds and weed seedlings found throughout Virginia and the Southeastern U.S.:
Weed Identification Guide from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  

For more assistance in diagnosing your problem, or to confirm your own diagnosis, contact your local County Extension Agent.