The University of Maryland Plant Diagnostic Laboratory

Established in 1979, the University of Maryland Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (PDL) provides plant problem diagnosis in support of Maryland Cooperative Extension programs in agriculture and horticulture.

Since 2002, the lab has also been an active participant in the National Plant Diagnostic Network, which links together land-grant university plant diagnostic laboratories for the purpose of rapid detection of exotic and invasive plant pest species which pose a threat to US agriculture. Laboratory staff also conduct educational programs on plant pathology topics for various audiences, and prepare fact sheets and other materials related to plant disease management.