Do you know the difference between Phytophthora root rot and
gray leaf spot? If not, you may want to contact the Iowa State
University Plant Disease Clinic. Last year almost 5,000 Iowans
did just that. The clinic, located on the third floor of Bessey
Hall, received 1,719 samples during 2004--including whole
plants, dry leaves, green leaves, stems, roots, branches, and
twigs. The staff also answered 3,267 calls, e-mails, faxes, and
letters about plant problems. Paula Flynn and Christine
Engelbrecht, the two clinic diagnosticians, investigate and
answer each inquiry with possible solutions or questions for
more information. "We're crime scene investigators when it comes
to plants," said Flynn, extension program specialist in plant
pathology. "We put all the clues together to come up with the
best answer." Paula Flynn (left) and Christine Engelbrecht,
clinic diagnosticians, examine some of the 1,719 samples they
received. Diagnosing a problem can take 30 seconds or several
weeks. Flynn said it's important to off