Clinic diagnosticians invite Iowans to submit samples for diagnosis

The Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic has earned national accreditation from the National Plant Diagnostic Network, recognizing the clinic’s commitment to high-quality, reliable diagnostic services.

Insect diagnostician Zach Schumm and plant disease diagnostician Chelsea Harbach, both with the PIDC, successfully developed and implemented a quality management system that meets all requirements of the new NPDN Core Accreditation Program. With this achievement, Iowa State’s PIDC becomes one of only eight Core Accredited Labs in the country.

“The PIDC has been following accreditation-level standards for many years, and it’s now official under the new NPDN accreditation program,” said Schumm. “Our mission and our quality have not changed, only our documented accreditation that showcases our commitment to quality plant health and insect diagnostics.”

The NPDN Core Accreditation Program establishes rigorous standards to ensure accuracy, consistency and excellence in plant and pest diagnostics. Accreditation signifies that the ISU clinic adheres to nationally recognized best practices, strengthening its role in protecting plant health across Iowa and beyond.

Submit your samples

The ISU PIDC provides diagnostic services for plant diseases, insect identification and other plant health issues. Schumm and Harbach encourage Iowans to submit samples for analysis to support healthy crops, landscapes and ecosystems statewide.

“Our mission as diagnosticians and extension experts is to help those from Iowa and beyond in an unbiased, informed and affordable manner. We work with everyone, from home gardeners, industry, farmers and hobbyists, to collaborate on diagnostics and plant health issues,” Schumm noted. “If anyone is interested in an insect identification or has a plant health issue, we are here to help!”

For information on submitting a sample or to learn more about the clinic’s services, visit the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic website or contact Schumm and Harbach at pidc@iastate.edu.