Specialized Identification Services

Latest revision: 
March 2024

Pathogen identification via single gene sequencing

$128

This service identifies purified plant related bacterial or fungal cultures using single gene sequencing (e.g., ITS or 16S). ID will be to species when possible, but it may be necessary to sequence additional gene regions to arrive at a clear identification.

Assaying for Agrobacterium species or Rhodococcus fascians in symptomless material

$153 per sample

Fungal or Bacterial ID via PCR (where available)

This service is for detection of specific pathogens of concern, including phytoplasmas.

$90/pathogen for the first sample; $24 for each additional pathogen or sample received at the same time.

RNA virus and Viroid detection using RT-PCR

$100/sample for the first sample; $30 for each additional virus or viroid testing in the sample received.

Pathogen Detection via ELISA

These fees are for those plant samples that are submitted specifically with a request to test for a specific pathogen (if available - call first to confirm). The cost of testing is based on the number of samples submitted and the number of pathogens for which the samples are to be tested.

$81 for one sample; $20 per additional sample or pathogen.

It is occasionally necessary to send a sample out to a third party for testing. The fees associated with doing so are dependent on the fees charged by the testing service. That fee is passed along to our client without any additional charge.

Testing Water for Pythium or Phytophthora via filtration and culturing

Advance notice is required and samples can be accepted only Monday through Wednesday.

$122 per sample

Seed assays

$141 per seed sample (Kabatiella, Phoma, Ascochyta, Gloeotinia)

Soil assays

Assaying field soil for the presence of Verticillium = $72 per soil sample. This service analyzes the soil samples for propagules of the fungus Verticillium dahliae. We suggest a minimum of 5 samples per acre in order to get a reasonable representation of the field. This test takes a minimum of 4 weeks.

Rush samples

Plant samples to be done on a "rush" basis = $200 per sample.

This includes an extremely thorough investigation, with results available in most cases in 24 hours. This includes evaluation for fungal and other diseases; no additional fees are assessed for culturing or other methods needed to reach a diagnosis. This service is not available at all times. Please call to confirm it is available before submitting a sample.

Special assays and ID services

$290 per hour. Call to determine if what you are interested in is possible.

Insect Submissions

If sending dead specimens, place in container with a piece of paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol or submerged in rubbing alcohol (ethyl alcohol is preferred). There are postal restrictions regarding sending alcohol in the mail:

  • The sample containers should be leak-proof plastic, glass or metal containers.
  • The lid of each sample container should be sealed onto the container so it does not accidentally come open.
  • There should be no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of alcohol in each sample container.
  • Sample containers should be placed into a secondary container (a ziplock-type bag would suffice) with absorbent, cushioning material such as paper towels.
  • The secondary container should be put into a strong outer package (padded envelop or box) for mailing.
  • On the address side of the mailing container, write: "This package conforms to 49 CFR 173.4".
  • A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

If submitting several different insects/spiders please place them in separate containers each with a separate label written in pencil.

Other services

Other services not listed here may be available. Call for information.

Out of state samples

ALL SAMPLES received from out-of-state will be assessed an additional 50% surcharge.

Factors used to set fees include cost of materials, supplies, clerical support, and a portion of the labor required to perform the tests. The remainder of the costs are paid by the OSU Extension Service as part of its education mission.

For more information, contact Dr. Mana Ohkura, the Director of the OSU Plant Clinic in Corvallis

OSU Botany and Plant Pathology
attn.: Plant Clinic

2701 SW Campus Way
Corvallis OR 97331-2903

Tel. 541-737-3472

ohkuram@oregonstate.edu