Virginia’s “green industry” includes greenhouse, nursery, Christmas
tree, and turf and landscape products and services, with an annual economic impact of
approximately $3 billion dollars. Preventing the introduction of harmful foreign pests
and pathogens into this valuable industry is a priority for VDACS' Plant Pathology
Program. Examples of exotic diseases that threaten plant health and pose trade barriers
include Phytophthora ramorum, plum pox virus, Ralstonia solanacearum
Race 3 Biovar 2, boxwood blight, and Chrysanthemum white rust.
The VDACS Plant Pathology Program helps protect the green industry and growers of
agricultural commodities throughout the Commonwealth from diseases of regulatory and
economic significance by providing diagnostic services and coordinating statewide plant
pathology surveys.
The Services We Provide
Each year, VDACS tests over 2,000 plant samples as part of statewide surveys for exotic
diseases. In addition to state-wide surveys that target specific pathogens, the lab
receives 400 to 600 routine nursery samples each year. Routine samples typically are
sent in by VDACS nursery inspectors who are trained to recognize potential disease
issues. Approximately 10% of the samples received are sent in directly by nursery
staff. The lab uses microscopy, culturing, serological, and molecular assays to identify
plant pathogens. Clients are provided diagnostic results and science-based management
recommendations.
Devin Bily
State Plant Pathologist
devin.bily@vdacs.virginia.gov
Lab: 804.385.5177
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