SDSU Plant Clinic Gains National Recognition

By Scout Nelson

The South Dakota State University (SDSU) Plant Diagnostic Clinic has achieved national recognition as a “Core Accredited Lab” by the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). This distinction makes SDSU one of only four land-grant university labs in the United States to receive this honor.

The accreditation acknowledges the clinic’s commitment to plant health, agricultural biosecurity, and professional excellence. Established in 2002 by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Office of Homeland Security, the NPDN aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and strengthen the nation’s readiness against plant diseases and pests.

Dr. Karen Sanguinet, department head and professor at SDSU, praised the team’s efforts led by Dr. Madalyn Shires. “This achievement reflects SDSU’s dedication to the land-grant mission and the protection of South Dakota’s agricultural enterprise,” she said.

Dr. Shires, manager of the clinic and SDSU Extension specialist in plant pathology, noted that the accreditation confirms the lab’s high-quality workflow and customer service standards. “We operate optimally and align with national standards, ensuring that growers receive timely, reliable results,” she said.

In 2024, the clinic processed about 900 plant disease samples from 700 clients across South Dakota and neighboring states. The recognition also supports the lab’s research opportunities and strengthens funding applications for SDSU faculty and partners.

The clinic collaborates with farmers, nurseries, greenhouses, and researchers while training undergraduate and graduate students in advanced diagnostic techniques. Equipped with modern microscopes and tools funded by the USDA and local crop commissions, the facility continues to support research, workshops, and training programs.

This milestone reinforces SDSU’s leadership in plant health diagnostics, advancing agricultural innovation and ensuring a stronger, more resilient farming future for South Dakota.

Photo Credit:usda