The Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory doesn't just provide plant identification, we offer a number of advanced tests.  Information about our different services are listed below, along with their processing fees.

Please note that though routine diagnosis is free for Montana residents, there is a fee for out of state submissions.

There is a payment button located at bottom of page.  If you are uncertain which testing is needed, please contact us for more information ([email protected] or 406-994-5150).

Definitions and Descriptions of Services

Routine Diagnosis

Includes a visual inspection of a sample and may include examination with a dissecting microscope and/or a compound microscope.

ELISA Test

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that uses antibodies and color change to detect specific organisms. In the Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory, we use ELISA mainly for the detection of wheat streak mosaic virus. While the test is very sensitive, it is time-consuming and will take days until results are available.

Culturing

The isolation of a pathogens by transferring the affected plant tissue onto selective agar plates, followed by incubation.

Immunostrips

Lateral flow devices for the rapid detection of pathogens. Test kits that the Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory has routinely available are:

  • Fungi:  Phytophthora sp.

  • Viruses:  Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV), and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV).

  • Bacteria:  Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (CMM) and Erwinia amylovora (Ea).

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Used to detect pathogens by amplifying the specific DNA of organisms. The Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory uses PCR mainly for the detection of wheat streak mosaic virus.

 

Service Fees
TESTING SERVICE
IN-STATE (MT) FEE/SAMPLE
OUT OF STATE FEE/SAMPLE
Routine Diagnosis*
none

$50.00

Routine Diagnosis + ELISA**
$60.00
$110.00
Routine Diagnosis + Culturing
$50.00
$100.00
Routine Diagnosis + Immunostrip
$10.00
$60.00
Routine Diagnosis + PCR
$120.00
$170.00
DON-Mycotoxin Testing
$10.00
$60.00
Phytosanitary Testing
$60.00
$110.00

*Multiple samples will be charged at a rate of $20 per sample that exceeds ten per year for individual clients or companies. Household samples will be charged $20 per sample after three per household per year. 

**If Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is suspected, please submit at least four symptomatic tillers for ELISA testing.

Payment

We accept payments in the form of credit cards and checks. Make checks payable to MSU-Schutter Diagnostic Lab. 

Click below to pay by credit card: