Potato Disease Testing

Bacterial Ring Rot Testing (PCR) Non-export: $40 per subsample | Export: $80 per subsample

• Recommended sample size: 400 tubers bulked at 2 subsamples (200 tubers per subsample)
• Coring fee: A $20 charge per 200 tubers will be added for coring. Please contact us before sending whole tubers.
• Additional fees: A $40 surcharge may be added if fewer than 5 samples are received or processed at the same time.

Bacterial Ring Rot Equipment Swab Testing (PCR) $25 per swab

• Additional fees: A $25 surcharge may be added if fewer than 10 samples are received or processed at the same time.

Dickeya spp. Testing (PCR) $40 per subsample

• Recommended sample size: 400 tubers bulked at 16 subsamples (25 cores and 1” peel per subsample)
• Coring fee: A $50 charge per sample will be added for coring and peeling tubers. Please contact us before sending whole tubers.

Pectobacterium spp. Testing (PCR) Please contact us before sending whole tubers.

• Processing fee: $100 minimum charge

PMTV and TRV Testing (RT-PCR) $45 per subsample

• Recommended sample size: 400 tubers bulked at 20 subsamples (20 tubers/40 cores per subsample)
• Coring fee: A $50 charge per sample will be added for coring tubers. Please contact us before sending whole tubers.

Please contact us for availability and pricing.

PVY Testing (ELISA) $5 per test well

• Recommended sample size: 400 tubers bulked at 80 test wells (5 tubers/well)
• Processing fee: A fee of $40/sample may be added for dipping tubers in gibberellic acid solution.
• Turnaround time: Please allow 4-8 weeks for dormant tubers

PVX Testing (ELISA) $5 per test well

• Recommended sample size: 50 to 400 leaflets depending on lot size. Samples are bulked at 10 leaflets/well.

Late Blight Screening $150

• Recommended sample size: 400 tubers
• Turnaround time: Please allow 3-4 weeks for screening.

Please contact us for availability and pricing.

Available tests:

• Virus (ELISA): PLRV, PotLV, PVA, PVM, PVS, PVX, PVY, TSWV
• Virus (PCR): PMTV, TRV, PSTVd
• Bacteria (PCR): Bacterial ring rot, soft rots (Dickeya and Pectobacterium spp.), brown rot (Ralstonia solanacearum)
• GMO (ELISA): Bt-Cry3a protein

Each state has different testing requirements for potato seed certification.

• In North Dakota, the NDSSD (Potato Program) is the designated authority for certification of seed potatoes. Virus testing and GMO testing is conducted by NDSSD Diagnostic Lab.
• For out of state clients, please check first with your state's authorized agency if external lab testing is accepted. If so, please follow their sampling instructions, including size and method.

• Download the seed health and phytosanitary testing form
• Include your contact information (address, phone and email) and the place where the sample was collected, if different from your mailing address.
• Check the box for the testing requested.
  • For bacterial ring rot, please indicate if non-export (PCR only) or for export (Canadian protocol).

• Use a sturdy box to mail your sample. Please place highly perishable samples in an insulated box with ice packs.
• Put the submission form on its own plastic bag. Please do not put the form in the bag with the sample.

• Drop off or mail the sample to the appropriate address found here.
• We recommend shipping your sample early in the week so we can receive it by Friday.
• Expedited shipping is recommended for highly perishable samples.
• If sending multiple samples, please include the spreadsheet containing the sample list and relevant information (e.g. cultivar, lot number, generation etc.). Send the spreadsheet along with the testing request form to ndsu.pdl@ndsu.edu.

• We will email the report and invoice once testing is complete.
• Turnaround times vary depending on current workload. Please submit your samples earlier in the season to get results faster.
• Some specialized testing can take several weeks (e.g. PVY testing, late blight screening).