Plant Diagnostics

Plant Diagnostics / GPDN

Downloadable submission forms for THPPP/GPDN plant disease diagnostic sample: submission.

The Great Plains Diagnostic Network (GPDN) is a consortium of land grant institutions that provide services for plant disease diagnosis, plant identification, and insect/pest identification. GPDN uses a common software platform to process diagnostic requests and share information between diagnostic laboratories. GPDN is regional member of the larger National Plant Disease and Pest Diagnostic Network (NPDPDN). NPDPDN consists of five regional plant diagnostic centers located at Kansas State University (GPDN); University of California, Davis (WPDN); Michigan State University (NCPDN); Cornell University (NEPDN); and University of Florida (SPDN). Each regional plant diagnostic center coordinates data gathering, diagnostic collaboration, and other activities of member land grant institutions. See for NPDPDN US map specific regions.

The Texas High Plains Plant Pathology Project, run by Dr. Charlie Rush at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Amarillo, TX (TAMU) is involved with the GPDN in association with Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. Dr. Rush’s appointment is with the Plant Pathology Department at Texas A&M University, however because of our location and expertise, we are associated with the GPDN while the Plant Path. Department in College Station is associated with the Southern Division.

The Texas High Plains Plant Pathology Project has undertaken the following responsibilities concerning the plant pathogens important to our regional agriculture:

  • Plant disease diagnostics and development of diagnostic techniques
  • Disease forecasting and epidemiological research
  • Disease surveillance and mapping
  • Development of disease management strategies

Please visit the Great Plains Diagnostic Network (GPDN) web site for more information.