The following are highlights and updates about samples and questions recently received in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic. Visit the PIDC's Facebook page to ask questions and for updates and more pictures. For more information on a particular disease or insect problem listed, follow the article cited.
Plant Diseases
One of the biggest challenges in plant diagnostics is obtaining and working with a representative sample. We as diagnosticians want to make sure we get a full scenario of where the plants have been developing and what you see in your plant. Unfortunately, incomplete or insufficient information or sample may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis.
Digital photos that accompany a sample give very important clues. See our tips on taking digital photos at http://bit.ly/PIDCphotoguidelines
We also have added pictures to our Plant Problem Sample Submission page to show examples of good and bad samples submitted to the Clinic. Check out our new pictures at https://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/info/submit/plant
Broadleaf Trees
Environmental Stress and Bot canker on Oak
Coniferous Trees
Rhizosphaera needle cast on Spruce
Stigmina needle cast in Spruce
Perennials and Annuals
Acidovorax bacterial spot - Petunia
Root rots- of Geranium and Coleus
Vegetables
Environmental disorders in transplants (light, temperatures, watering and nutrients)
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Yard and Garden, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on March 23, 2017. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.