Plant Industry - Plant Disease Services

Plant Disease Services


The plant pathologist coordinates regulatory activities pertaining to plant diseases for the state of North Carolina. Technical support is provided to the Plant Protection Specialists who conduct inspections for export certification, nursery certification, vegetable plant certification, tobacco plant certification and the federal post-entry quarantine program. North Carolina regulates multiple plant pathogens including Guava Root Knot Nematode, White Pine Blister Rust, and Thousand Cankers Disease of walnut trees. However, regulatory action can be taken against any disease of limited distibution or new to the state. The plant pathologist is the contact person for interactions with other state and federal agencies regarding plant disease issues. Permits to move plant pathogenic organisms into the state, to import plant material from foreign countries, or to import tobacco plants from other states are handled through this office.

If you are having a plant problem, there are resources available to assist you in diagnosis and control. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Division will accept soil, plant material, and solution for nutrient analyses, and soil for nematode analysis. The North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic accepts submissions of plants for diagnosis of problems related to diseases and insects.