Maximum profits in row crop production depend on successful and accurate diagnosis of disease or insect damage. An accurate diagnosis can aid farmers in the implementation of an effective integrated pest management program. One important part of diagnosis is plant tissue samples to help identify issues and determine best management options.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System supports two plant diagnostic laboratories. One is at Auburn University; the other is located in Birmingham at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University provides three services: plant problem diagnosis, soil nematodeanalysis, and insect identification. Plant problems sent to thelab include diseases, nematode injury, insect damage, chemical damage, environmental stress, horticultural and agronomic problems, or wildlife damage.
Plant samples at the Auburn University Plant Diagnostic Lab are initially examined by a plant pathologist. Some samples may then be referred to Extension specialists in entomology, agronomy, horticulture, or wildlife.
In addition to plant problem diagnosis, soil nematodeanalysis, and insect identification, plants are also received for identification. These plants are referred to agronomists andhorticulturists who typically respond to the inquiries.
Download Submitting Samples for Diagnosis, Analysis and Indentification, IPM-1294.
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu.
Related Topics
The Home and Market Garden (Urban Farm) IPM Toolkit wheel slide chart is a great tool for urban farmers as well as home and community gardeners interested in vegetable production.
This wheel slide chart has both conventional and organic insecticide listings for nearly 20 different crops. It also has a listing of common insect pests with accompanying images that may help when scouting in garden vegetables.
To receive copy of this wheel slide chart, email Ayanava Majumdar at azm0024@aces.edu.
For growers or gardeners that are looking for organic only options, refer to the Alternative Vegetable IPM Recommendations Slide Chart, which describes the three levels of sustainable integrated pest management practices.
Alabama Extension’s recommendations include products by active ingredients and labeled use rates for the primary diseases of turfgrass. Before using an insecticide, it is important to properly identify the pest. Alabama Extension has information describing the identification, biology, and management of many of the important pests of turfgrass. If an insecticide is needed, read the labeled instructions even if you have previously used the product. There have been changes in insecticide labeling recently, especially related to location and timing.
Download the Commercial Turf and Lawn Disease IPM Guide, IPM-1291.
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu.
Hemp is a new crop for Alabama and for the United States. With the 2014 Farm Bill’s Pilot Program, many states beganproducing hemp for fiber, grain, or flower. Additionally, the 2018 Farm Bill listed hemp as an agricultural commodity, leading to even more states, including Alabama, signing on to grow hemp in 2019. There has been little to no research done on hemp in the last several decades so the available information is limited. We are constantly learning about the insects, weeds, and diseases that infest hemp and how to control them.
This guide is the most up-to-date information available to Alabama Extension, but recommendations are changing as more is learned.
These products have been reviewed by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and Alabama Extension and appear to meet all the criteria for legal use in Alabama.
ADAI and Alabama Extension make no recommendations for the use of pesticides on hemp. This list is not an endorsement of any kind for any of the products listed, nor does it ensure the safety or efficacy of these products when applied to hemp in Alabama.
Download the hemp pest management guide, ANR-2635.
For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Extension Communications and Marketing at 334-844-5696 or extcomm@aces.edu.
