Plant Health Laboratory
Plant Disease Diagnosis and Testing
We provide an extensive range of plant disease diagnostic and testing services.
Our team of scientists are recognised for their expertise in detecting and identifying a broad diversity of plant pathogens including:
- Fungi
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Nematodes
Based in Lincoln, Canterbury, our laboratory offers significant capability in ELISA and DNA-based diagnostics. We frequently develop new test methods based on industry demand. We are also approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to supply identification and diagnostic services for export certification.
Our services include
- Seed health testing - including nematode testing
- Diagnosis and identification of plant diseases affecting horticultural and arable crops including amenity plants, ornamentals, turf and more
- Detection and identification of plant viruses using ELISA and qPCR technologies
- Endophyte testing: quantification of endophyte levels in ryegrass and fescue seed lots
- Detection of Phytophthora and other pathogens in growing media and irrigation water
- Identification of spoilage fungi occurring in food and beverages
- Identification of postharvest storage rots in fruit and vegetables
- Aphanomyces soil indexing
- Psa-V testing for kiwifruit budwood for export (MPI approved)
Our customers
- Seed industry
- Fresh produce exporters
- Commercial growers
- Private growers
- Orchardists
- Nurseries
- Research institutes
- Government agencies and local authorities
View and Print Forms
Submission Forms
Diagnostic Sample Submission Form PDF (122 KB)
Seed Health Test Sample Submission Form PDF (137 KB)
Fresh Plant Virus Testing Sample Submission Form PDF (124 KB)
Potato Virus Sample Submission Form PDF (125 KB)
Plant Health Survey Sample Submission Form PDF (122 KB)
Psa-V Sample Submission Form PDF (53 KB)
Contact Us
Reception: 03 3581 937
Postal address:
AsureQuality – Plant Health Lab
PO Box 85006
Lincoln University
Lincoln 7647
Courier address:
AsureQuality – Plant Health Lab
South Drive
Lincoln University
Lincoln 7674