Oklahoma State University's Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab continues to play a key role in identifying plant diseases, insect pests and emerging threats affecting agriculture across the state while expanding its support for neighboring states.
Located in the Noble Research Center, the laboratory serves producers in all 77 Oklahoma counties by diagnosing plant diseases and insect problems and helping develop management recommendations. The lab identified nine new pathogens in specialty crops during the past year and serves as the state's first line of defense against new and emerging pests and diseases.
Extension plant disease diagnostician Jen Olson has worked in the laboratory for 18 years, analyzing plant samples ranging from alfalfa with root rot to diseases affecting commercial crops. The laboratory's work helps producers identify problems early and improve crop health and longevity.
The facility has handled several major disease outbreaks over the years. During a 2019 outbreak of Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen responsible for sudden oak death, the laboratory processed more than 2,000 samples in March 2020 alone. The disease has since been eradicated from Oklahoma.
In 2024, the laboratory also assisted with nationwide testing efforts after corn stunt disease emerged in multiple areas of the country. Staff members also routinely support fire ant surveys required for hay and container-grown plants shipped out of Oklahoma.
The laboratory is preparing to play another important role as concerns grow over the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that threatens livestock by laying eggs in open wounds.
Although the pest has not been detected in Oklahoma, the OSU laboratory has been authorized to conduct initial screenings of suspected specimens before potential positive samples are sent to the National Veterinary Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, for confirmation. Oklahoma is the only state currently permitted to perform this preliminary screening process.
Jonathan Cammack, OSU Extension livestock entomology and parasitology specialist, said the laboratory has been receiving suspected samples from across the state for nearly a year. He and Justin Talley, head of the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, specialize in the group of flies that includes the New World screwworm.
The laboratory is considered the most productive diagnostic facility in its region, which includes Oklahoma, Colorado and states farther north. About one-quarter of all samples submitted within that region are processed by the OSU laboratory.
Its molecular testing capabilities also attract work from outside Oklahoma. Between 15% and 20% of the laboratory's annual workload comes from out-of-state clients, and staff identified six new pathogens for neighboring states during the past year.
The laboratory accepts samples year-round from homeowners and commercial producers. Oklahoma residents may submit up to 10 samples annually at no charge through their local OSU Extension county office.
Laboratory staff said maintaining rapid communication with clients and providing accurate diagnoses remain central to the facility's mission as it prepares to respond to future agricultural threats affecting crops, livestock and landscapes.
Source: Oklahoma State University, "How an OSU laboratory is helping Oklahoma fight insect pests and plant diseases"