Specialized Testing Services

Latest revision: 
March 2025

Pathogen identification by DNA sequencing

Oregon samples: $128/sample.

Out-of-state samples: $189/sample.

Bacterial or fungal cultures that are purified will be identified by sequencing a single DNA region (e.g. ITS or 16S). Identification to species will be provided when possible, but it may be limited to genus depending on the organism.

Testing for crown gall (Agrobacterium spp.) or leafy gall (Rhodococcus fascians) pathogens in symptomless material

Oregon samples: $153/sample.

Out-of-state samples: $229.50/sample.

PCR testing (for fungal and bacterial pathogens)

Screening for requested fungal and bacterial pathogens, including phytoplasmas.

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

Out-of-state samples: $135/pathogen for the first sample; $36 for each additional pathogen or sample received at the same time.

RT-PCR testing (for RNA viruses and viroids)

Screening for requested RNA virus and viroid pathogens.

Oregon samples: $100/sample for the first sample; $30 for each additional pathogen or sample received at the same time.

Out-of-state samples: $150/sample for the first sample; $45 for each additional pathogen or sample received at the same time.

ELISA testing

Screening for requested pathogens by ELISA.

Oregon samples: $81 for one sample; $20 for each additional pathogen or sample received at the same time.

Out-of-state samples: $121.50/sample for the first sample; $30 for each additional pathogen or sample received at the same time.

Water testing for Pythium or Phytophthora

Water samples will be tested for Pythium and/or Phytophthora by filtration and culturing (identification is to genus level and not to species). Submit at least 600 ml per sample. Oregon samples: $122/sample.

Out-of-state samples: $183/sample.

Soil testing for Verticillium dahliae

Field soil will be tested for Verticillium dahlia by culturing (testing takes a minimum of 4 weeks). A minimum of 5 samples per acre is recommended for reasonable representation of the field. Testing for other Verticillium species is not currently available.

Oregon samples: $72/sample.

Out-of-state samples: $107/sample.

Seed assays

Testing for Phoma, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Pseudomonas syringae is available. Contact the clinic to discuss testing for other pathogens.

Oregon samples: $141/assay per sample.

Out-of-state samples: $211.50/assay per sample.

Insect/spider submissions

To send dead specimens, place them in a container with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol or submerge in ethyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol. If submitting multiple types of insects/spiders, place each type in separate containers. Label each container with a pencil. There are postal restrictions to send 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 tight so it does not accidentally come off.
  • 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 or ziplock bag with absorbent, cushioning material such as paper towels. Label the secondary container as well in case the alcohol removes the label on the specimen container.
  • The secondary container should be placed in a padded envelope or box for mailing.
  • On the front of the envelope next to the mailing address, write: "This package conforms to 49 CFR 173.4".
  • A complete return address and delivery address must be listed.Put the Insect Identification Form (https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/bpp/attachments/insect-id-form-2021.pdf) in a plastic bag, and place it in the mailing box.

Custom testing

Contact the clinic to discuss custom requests and fees.

Fees

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.