The University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) reopened April 1, with new clinic director Patricia Wallace leading. The Clinic will once again provide assistance to county Extension specialists, commercial businesses and citizens in Missouri with their pest problems.

The PDC is capable of plant disease diagnosis and identification of unknown plants and insects. Clinic staff work along-side Plant Sciences faculty specializing in agronomy, entomology, horticulture or plant pathology to identify pests as needed. The clinic is open year round to receive samples.

The Clinic will also work within the National Plant Diagnostic Network, and in close cooperation with regional Extension specialists and the Missouri Departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, to monitor for potentially destructive invasive pest species.

The PDC does not test plant nutrient levels, soil characteristics or identify nematodes. Samples submitted to the clinic requiring these tests can be forwarded to the respective lab.  Additional fees will apply.

Patricia Wallace joined the Mizzou Division of Plant Sciences on March 1, and comes with a wealth of diagnostic experience. Wallace served as the laboratory manager/diagnostician for Plant Sciences, Inc., in Watsonville, Calif., from 2010 up until she joined the CAFNR team. Patricia received her M.S. in Plant Pathology from Oregon State University. Her thesis research project demonstrated the role of unsaturated biofilms in the biological control of Botrytis cinerea. Patricia was born and raised in Ava, Mo., and is looking forward to bringing her family closer to her childhood home.

“I grew up in Missouri and am proud to give back by working in this public position,” Wallace sad. “This opportunity also allows me to broaden my diagnostic skills and learn more about my favorite topic: plant pathology.”

The Clinic is located in 28 Mumford Hall, so please welcome Wallace to the CAFNR and DPS family when the opportunity arises.