Current impact on services
Our diagnostic services continue to be impacted by restricted access to the department's site at 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth.
Critical laboratory testing is continuing.
Testing is prioritised based on:
- Diagnostic testing to exclude notifiable pests and diseases.
- Responses to high-impact pest and disease threats and incursions.
- Surveillance for priority pests and diseases.
- Diagnostic testing to support border biosecurity controls and market access.
Plant pathology diagnostic services
Our plant pathology services provide critical disease diagnostics services for horticulture (ornamentals, nursery plants, amenity horticulture, turf, soil, fruits and vegetables), broadacre crops such as cereals, canola and pulses, as well as pastures.
Our clients include farmers, horticulturists, commercial seed producers, importers, exporters, marketers, mining companies, government agencies, agricultural and horticultural professionals and home gardeners.
How to submit a sample
For all testing enquiries or to submit specimens for testing, please follow this process:
- Email DDLS@dpird.wa.gov.au with details of the submission.
- DDLS will triage your submission and you will receive email instructions.
- Signage at the entrance to the South Perth site will instruct the sample courier how to proceed.
Important: Only send samples to South Perth once we have responded to you to ensure sample integrity is maintained and how testing can be best facilitated.
Note: Email is preferred, however, you can phone us on 08 9368 3351 to speak to a pathologist before sending an email, if necessary.
Testing and expertise
Our experienced plant pathology diagnostics team assists clients with on-farm decision-making to improve the productivity, quality and marketability of crops through correct disease diagnosis.
We provide:
- Routine plant disease diagnosis in plants, potting mix, soil and water.
- Nematode analysis of roots and soils for horticulture and broadacre crops.
- Plant virus identification.
- Specific disease testing for seed crops to meet export requirements.
- Plant pathogen testing to fulfil nursery accreditation and export requirements.
After diagnosis, we can direct you to specialists who can help with:
- Implement best practice pest and disease control.
- Reduce your use of incorrect or unnecessary chemicals.
Fees and charges
To understand fees and charges for these services, refer to the booklet which is updated annually.
Terms and conditions
Refer to the DDLS terms and conditions for details on using our service.