In 2025, the Arkansas Plant Health Clinic diagnosed more than 1,500 plant samples from 62 of the state’s 75 counties, including an increased number of plants diagnosed with bacterial diseases after the state saw severe flooding last April.
The clinic, located in Fayetteville, evaluates diseased plant samples submitted by Arkansans from around the state and provides diagnoses and management recommendations. It is part of the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Taylor Klass, head plant pathologist and lead diagnostician for the Arkansas Plant Health Clinic, noted that “about 70% of plant diseases are caused by fungi,” but wet weather can increase plant disease pressure.
PHOTO: Taylor Klass, head plant pathologist and lead diagnostician for the Arkansas Plant Health Clinic, observes a plant sample submitted to the clinic. (UADA photo by Paden Johnson.)
