When plants show abnormalities or disease symptoms, identifying the cause quickly is crucial. Early diagnosis helps prevent further damage and reduces the risk of spreading pathogens or pests.

Plant Doctor offers expert diagnosis of crop abnormalities, damage and plant health issues. Using visual assessment and the information provided with each sample, the Plant Doctor determines which analyses are required to identify the underlying cause.

Plant Doctors work with a wide range of materials, including plants, water samples, substrates and swabs.

Plant Doctors combine visual inspection with targeted laboratory analyses to determine the cause of suboptimal crop development or plant damage. Depending on the situation, they may investigate the presence of fungi, bacteria, insects, pests or viruses.

The analysis report includes:

• A description of the problem
• Diagnostic findings
• Recommendations for preventive measures
• Possible curative actions

Direct communication upon sample receipt and when results are available is possible.

Plant Doctors have access to a broad range of analytical techniques, commonly used techniques include:

Microscopy & plating

For visual inspection and culturing of fungi and bacteria.

ELISA

A rapid and accurate method to detect plant viruses by identifying viral proteins in plant tissue. Eurofins Agro can detect a wide range of viruses in vegetables, ornamentals and woody crops.

DNA-based methods

Highly specific DNA technologies such as quantitative PCR, DNA Multiscan and DNA sequencing are used for detecting and identifying fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Plant Doctor is useful when:

• Plants show abnormalities or unexplained symptoms
• Rapid diagnosis is needed to limit damage or spread
• You need to confirm the presence of pathogens
• Crop development appears suboptimal
• Preventive or curative recommendations are required

Plant Doctors help determine whether issues are caused by pathogens, fertilisation errors or unfavourable climate conditions.