Plant and Insect Identification

The NDSU Plant Diagnostic Lab provide plant and insect identification to the public. Our lab accepts both physical samples and digital images of plants/weeds and insects. We are most likely to be successful in identifying plant and insect samples collected from North Dakota and the Red River Valley region.

For ND residents, NDSU Extension has an office in every county staffed with extension agents ready to assist in identifying plant or pest issues. Should the agents encounter challenges in diagnosing the problem or if testing services are required, they promptly forward the sample to PDL for further analysis.

Find the NDSU Extension county office closest to you

Please note that we do not process samples collected from animal and human body parts.

Please refer to the sample submission guidelines below before submitting samples.

Sample Submission Form

Fees

FREE for ND Residents (for a limited number of samples)
$30 Commercial and Out-of-State Samples

We reserve the right to charge for plant and insect identification requests.
Please contact us before submitting multiple samples.

Submission Guidelines for Insect Identification

  1. Collect several insect specimens whenever possible.
  2. Place specimen in clear containers with tight lids (e.g. glass vials, plastic pill bottles).
  3. Bring the specimen to the Plant Diagnostic Lab at 203 Waldron Hall
    • If you are unable to bring the sample, mail in the sample along with the sample submission form to the appropriate mailing (USPS) or shipping (Fedex/UPS) address found in our main page
    • We recommend shipping your sample early in the week so we can receive it by Friday.

  1. Take clear images of the specimen.
    • Please make sure that the images have good resolution and are in focus.
    • If possible, include a size reference such as a coin, card or ruler next to the specimen in your photos.
  2. Send the pictures along with the completed sample submission form to ndsu.pdl@ndsu.edu.
  3. Indicate Insect Identification Request as email subject line.

Plant Pathology

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