Links - Disease Clinic

http://academic.sun.ac.za/plantpath/disease_clinic.html

The Plant Disease Clinic is a service laboratory situated within the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Stellenbosch. The clinic started its activities in October 2000, and specialists in the field of plant pathology diagnose problems on the samples received. We diagnose all types of fungal or bacterial diseases on various crops, including trees, shrubs, vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, etc. Viral diseases, insect problems and leaf analysis for nutritional shortages are not handled by us, but can, on request, be send to experts in the particular field. Diagnosis can take between one and 2 weeks to be completed, although new diseases necessitate additional pathogenicity tests, which may take longer. Each sample submitted will receive a written diagnostic report, explaining the findings, and listing any available control recommendations.

We aim to provide fast but accurate diagnoses and always seeks new methods for minimising diagnosis time. The digital camera, used conventionally or through the microscope lense, has become a useful diagnostic aid. This enables us to forward digital images of pathogen structures to international experts for verification. Experience gained through work done for the private sector is shared with producers. We also provide valuable practical training for under- and postgraduate students.