Plant Health Laboratory

Plant Disease Diagnosis and Testing

We provide an extensive range of plant disease diagnostic and testing services.

Our team of scientists are recognised for their expertise in detecting and identifying a broad diversity of plant pathogens including:

Fungi
Bacteria
Viruses
Nematodes

Based in Lincoln, Canterbury, our laboratory offers significant capability in ELISA and DNA-based diagnostics. We frequently develop new test methods based on industry demand. We are also approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to supply identification and diagnostic services for export certification.

Our services include

Seed health testing - including nematode testing
Diagnosis and identification of plant diseases affecting horticultural and arable crops including amenity plants, ornamentals, turf and more
Detection and identification of plant viruses using ELISA and qPCR technologies
Endophyte testing: quantification of endophyte levels in ryegrass and fescue seed lots
Detection of Phytophthora and other pathogens in growing media and irrigation water
Identification of spoilage fungi occurring in food and beverages
Identification of postharvest storage rots in fruit and vegetables
Aphanomyces soil indexing
Psa-V testing for kiwifruit budwood for export (MPI approved)