Nevada Department of Agriculture Plant Pathology and Nematology Laboratory has the equipment and molecular biological techniques to conduct a broad range of testing. Laboratory equipment includes gradient thermal cycler, real-time smart cycler, biosafety hood, incubators, centrifuges, ELISA detection work system, growth chamber, DNA extraction facility, -80C freezer, electrophoresis system, gel-document system, advanced microscopic workstation, epifluorescent microscope, nematode extraction system, and other plant pathology and molecular detection equipment.

Molecular Diagnostic Lab

Nematodes Extraction Lab

Immunofluorescent Detection

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Detection

Real-time PCR Detection

The laboratory has the capability to test for various fungi, bacteria, virus and nematodes from plants, soil and seed. Techniques include microbiological culturing, microscopic identification, DNA extract, ELISA, conventional PCR, and real-time PCR detection. Molecular cloning technology has also been employed in the laboratory for disease detection. The laboratory also has capability to conduct various testing including purity, viability, uniformity, and quality of seeds and other products. It works with a broad range of plant products and serves the state plant industry and the public by providing high quality of laboratory services.