Information from Dr. Alejandra Jimenez Madrid (Director of the UGA Plant Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory in Tifton):
I am happy to announce that the Plant Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory is currently a USDA-certified lab to perform Huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening) testing. We are excited to provide this advanced testing to commercial growers, homeowners, nurseries, Extension and research personnel, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Since Candidatus Liberibacter species associated with HLB are regulatory pathogens and subject to PPQ regulatory and permit conditions, we will perform the test according to USDA-APHIS standardized real-time PCR protocols and policies.
Check here for instructions of sample selection, collection, and shipping. Molecular test per sample is $80.00
We look forward to serve our stakeholders in Georgia. If you have any questions, please contact the laboratory director (Dr. Jimenez Madrid) by email (a.jimenez@uga.edu) or phone (229-386-3372).
Jonathan Oliver
Dr. Jonathan Oliver is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. He has a 70% research, 25% extension, and 5% service appointment. Dr. Oliver started in his current position at the University of Georgia in mid-2017 as an extension fruit pathologist at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. His responsibilities include research and extension activities focused on pathogen biology and disease management in fruit crops grown primarily in the southern part of Georgia, including blueberries, blackberries, citrus, and other emerging fruit crops. Dr. Oliver obtained a BS degree in Plant Pathology and Microbiology & Cell Science from the University of Florida in 2005, and a PhD in Plant Microbe Biology from Cornell University, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY in 2011. In addition, he has also been postdoctoral researcher at Kansas State University and Auburn University. At Auburn, he characterized the interactions between the emerging bacterial pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, and its blueberry plant hosts. He currently serves as a Plant Pathology Section editor for the Southeast Regional Blueberry Integrated Management Guide.