MDARD’s Plant Pathology Laboratory Achieves Nation’s First Core Accreditation from the National Plant Diagnostic Network

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring today heralded a monumental achievement as the department's Plant Pathology Laboratory became the nation's first to be granted accreditation status under the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) Core Accreditation Program. This accreditation went into effect on October 1, 2024. The laboratory earned this accreditation by successfully developing and implementing a comprehensive quality management system, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to meeting high standards in diagnosing plant diseases such as boxwood blight, Beech leaf disease, bacterial ring rot of potatoes and many others.

"This national achievement sets the bar for producing high-quality plant diagnostics for Michigan's nursery and agricultural industries," said Boring. "This accreditation is a testament to MDARD's commitment to continuous improvement and quality plant diagnostics."

The NPDN includes 70 diagnostic labs across the United States working to identify and respond to new plant pests and pathogens threatening agriculture and the environment. The NPDN created the Core Accreditation Program to provide an overarching framework and quality management approach. Core Accreditation ensures NPDN labs will meet quality standards and enhance professionalism, strengthening the state of readiness in performing timely and accurate detections while reducing the risk of exotic pathogens and pest establishments.

To achieve accreditation, the MDARD's Plant Pathology Laboratory underwent extensive evaluations, including audits and compliance checks in areas such as standard operating procedures, record-keeping, and equipment maintenance. After months of careful review, the lab received accreditation for all its diagnostic services. The laboratory tests for plant disease organisms including bacteria, fungi, phytoplasmas, and viruses using a range of techniques, including microscopy, culture/isolation, serological tests, and molecular tests.

The Plant Pathology Laboratory is responsible for identifying plant diseases and pests regulated by MDARD, providing three primary services: diagnostics, export certification, and surveys. It also collaborates with the Michigan State University Plant Diagnostic Lab, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and other researchers to develop unified responses to new invasive plant diseases.

For more information, please visit the MDARD Plant Pathology website.

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