Horticulture Diagnostic Lab

Horticulture Diagnostic Lab:

The Horticulture Diagnostic Lab, run by Master Gardener volunteers, can identify plants and insects and diagnose plant diseases or damage caused by insects. Samples are accepted by appointment only to ensure freshness. Please do not send in samples by mail. Call 845-677-8223 Ext 115, to set up a drop-off time. Diagnostic results may take up to 7-10 business days.

Sample Collection:

Plants:

• All samples must be in a sealed plastic bag to be accepted.
• Roots should be bagged separately from branches, shoots, or foliage.
• Collect samples before pesticide application for accurate diagnosis.
• Take samples from areas with early symptoms. Do not bring in dead plant material.

Insects:

• Insects must be in a sealed plastic bag or container to be accepted. 
• After collecting the insect sample, place it in the freezer.

Fees:

• Insect or plant identification: $20.00 per sample, CASH OR CHECK ONLY
• Diagnose plant damage/disease: $20.00 per sample, CASH OR CHECK ONLY
• Rutgers Soil Sample Kits $25.00 per sample, CASH OR CHECK ONLY

All samples must include the submission form and payment for analysis. We cannot not process samples until we have received payment in full. We accept Cash and Check. Click the button to download your form:

Horticulture Hotline:

Our Master Gardeners also operate our Horticulture Hotline, (845) 677-5067, which is open from April through September on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 pm. During inclement weather and travel restrictions, it may not be staffed.

Click here for general tips on identifying plant diseases.  These tips will help you gather the information needed before calling our hotline or emailing in with questions.

Hotline will be Closed on the Following Dates:

April:

Wednesday, April 6th

May:

Monday, May 26th 

July:

Monday, July 21st

Wednesday, July 23rd

Aug:

Monday, August 18th

Wednesday, August 20th

Monday, August 25th

Ask Extension:

Written questions can also be submitted at ask2.extension.org. Look for the Ask a New Question button, then select New York from the dropdown menu, and then finally select the county closest to you. If a photograph is included, please ensure it is focused and as close up as possible. These questions will be answered by our Master Gardener volunteers, please allow 7-10 days for a response.

You can also submit emails/questions here:

Cornell Diagnostic Services:

More information can also be found at Cornell University Diagnostic Services:

• Cornell University Insect Diagnostic Laboratory
• Cornell University Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic

Gardening Information:

• Visit the Cornell Garden Based Learning Website to learn more about vegetables, fruits, lawns, trees, shrubs, houseplants, soil, composting and pests.
• New York State Integrated Pest Management for Communities for structural and garden pests.
• Websites for Gardeners  - many topics, including bees, nuisance wildlife, mushrooms, invasive plants, certified arborists and weed ID. 

Last updated June 3, 2025