Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

Tel: 972 (8) 992-8661
Fax: 972 (8) 992-6337
Email: pddl@volcani.agri.gov.il

Scientific Director: Leah Tsror
Laboratory Staff: Orly Erlich, Sarah Lebiush and Menashe Aharon

he Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (PDDL) is an integral part of the Plant Pathology Unit at Gilat. Here, technologically advanced diagnostic procedures are available - principally to Negev farmers, but some tests are also available to any interested party. The PDDL's close relationship with Gilat enables professional support and the adaptation of methods to the needs of agriculturists - all in a timely fashion.

The following services are available (see the Hebrew version for details on specific procedures):

• Year-round disease diagnosis for all crops: vegetables, flowers and ornamentals, field crops, industrial crops, and fruit trees.
• Quantitative diagnosis of pathogens (bacterial, fungal, nematodal, and insect-vectored) - the primary objective being to prevent the spread of disease through potential contaminants.
• Early testing to prevent disease in seed potatoes, both imported and domestic.
• Testing of propagative material, including vegetable and flower seeds, carnation and jojoba cuttings, basil, garlic, onions, flower bulbs, etc.
• Mapping fields for soil-borne pathogens such as Verticillium wilt and nematodes.
• Monitoring pathogens in manure, compost and planting media.
• Monitoring pathogens in irrigation water.
• Testing for tristeza virus in citrus.
• Checking insect penetration through screens.

The PDDL interacts directly with growers, the counselors from Shaham, and private agricultural consultants, and results are returned as quickly as possible.

All services are charged at established rates.

All accumulated laboratory results are computerized, and searches of the database may be performed according to crop, pathogen, etc.