The Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is once again offering plant disease diagnostic services for agricultural and industry representatives. Sample types accepted include potatoes, cereals, fruit crops, and cole crops. Common potato diseases identified include late blight, fusarium dry rot, leak, pink rot, and bacterial blackleg. Results are typically available within a week. For potato foliar diseases, such as late blight, the turnaround time is generally within 24 hours depending upon the condition of the sample submitted.
The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory has re-located to the Prince Edward Island Analytical Laboratory located at 23 Innovation Way, Bio Commons Park, Charlottetown. Samples can be submitted directly to the PEI Analytical Laboratory or can be dropped off at most Access PEI locations.
To submit a sample, the diagnostic form should be completed and attached to the sample. Samples should be packaged to prevent leakage or contamination. A new and improved sample submission form can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry website at www.gov.pe.ca/agriculture/labservices.
The diagnostic services are available on a seasonal basis. Services will be staffed to receive and analyze samples until November 15, 2013.