The clinic was established in 1965 primarily to support county extension specialists as they sought answers to plant health questions for their local clientele. While most samples still come from county extension offices, the clinic receives samples from agencies, businesses and private citizens.

Initially, the clinic handled only samples submitted for disease identification, but in recent years has handled insect and weed identifications.

Approximately 90 percent of the samples are submitted between May and September.

Nematode samples (other than pine wilt) are handled by the Plant Nematology Laboratory.

The day to day operations of the clinic (receiving samples, answering phones, diagnosis of samples submitted for disease identification and reporting) are handled by staff in the clinic. Other Plant Science Unit Extension Faculty from the departments of Agronomy, Entomology, Horticulture, Plant Microbiology and Pathology handle the identification of insects and weeds as well as assist when needed.

Updated 8/23/07