May 18, 2001 * Agriculture and Forestry [to Oct 2003]The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is once again offering a plant diagnostic service for agriculture and industry representatives. Producers can submit samples directly to the Plant Health Services laboratory at the Potato Services building in Kensington or through the District Agricultural Offices. Disease diagnosis can usually be determined within a week. For potato foliar diseases, such as late blight, the turn around time is immediate to 48 hours depending on the sample submitted. "Using the plant diagnostic service can take the guesswork out of solving problems," says plant diagnostician, Marleen Clark. "An accurate disease diagnosis can then be correctly treated. In the end, an effective treatment can save farmers money." The service is free of charge. For more information on the program, contact Marleen Clark at (902) 836-8922.Media Contact: Wayne MacKinnon