Director Plant Diagnostic Laboratory

Maryland agriculture includes a mix of traditional agronomic, fruit and vegetable production systems -as well as agritourism, urban farming, ornamentals production and landscape maintenance industries. Rapid and accurate plant problem diagnostics is a crucial foundation for crop management decisions in each of these systems. Inaccurate diagnoses can result in crop losses, application of ineffective pesticides and increased chemical, labor, and environmental costs. The University of Maryland Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (PDL) provides diagnostic services for Maryland stakeholders as well as clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. A faculty position as director of the PDL will allow continued progress in maintaining the highest standards for accurate diagnoses and reporting along with expanding opportunities to seek extramural funding.