The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture Plant Health Laboratory provides identification of pathogenic and non-pathogenic disorders affecting commercial crops in British Columbia and promotes reduced pesticide use by making control recommendations which emphasize Integrated Pest Management. The Plant Health Lab is part of the Plant Health Unit in the Plant and Animal Health Branch. Its services help growers protect the production capability and marketability of their crops.

To learn more about the services provided by the lab, please refer to the following brochure: Plant Health Laboratory (pdf, 840 kb)

Submission of samples to the Plant Diagnostic Lab

1. Specimens must be fresh. Use plastic bags.
2. Send as much as possible of a typical diseased (not dead or badly decayed) plant, including roots. Do not include moist paper towels when sending samples.
3. Try to send several plants or plant parts showing the various stages of infection; include a healthy plant for comparison.
4. Dig up plants rather than pulling them from the ground to preserve the feeder roots. If plants are potted, send the whole pot. Enclose roots and pots in a plastic bag or wax paper that is secured at the plant crown to prevent drying of roots and contamination of the leaves with soil.
5. Wrap the top of the plant in a plastic bag secured at the plant crown.
6. Turf disease samples must be at least 10 cm and as deep as the roots. A cup cutter size is perfect for greens and tees. Wrap the sample in plastic to prevent drying. Include the margin of the affected areas in each sample.
7. Fill out and include a submission form.
8. Enclose payment with your submission form. Fees for diagnostic services are outlined on the submission form.
9. Urgent or perishable samples should be brought in person to the lab or sent by courier.

Note, for more tips on submitting a good sample, please refer to the following factsheet:

• Sampling Tips for Disease Diagnosis

Submission Forms

Please print and complete the submission form and mail with your sample.

• General Submission Form (PDF)
• Submission Form - Suspect Invasive Alien Species (PDF)

Send samples to the following address:

Where we are located