WSDA Blog

In a nondescript building tucked away in Tumwater, WA a small team of scientists at WSDA’s Plant Protection, Plant Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics Lab (PPMDL) performs thousands of tests on plants and insects every year. Though the building’s exterior reveals little about the extraordinary work within, work inside protects something far more than a single crop. They protect the entire food supply of our state.

Welcome to one of the nation's unique agricultural labs, where plant pathologists, entomologists, and molecular scientists collaborate to tackle some of the most daunting challenges in pest and disease control. Walking past shelves filled with lab equipment, Lab Manager Jennifer Falacy explains, “It takes years to train people to do the work that we do. There's always some new pest that shows up when we least expect it.”

The lab's mission

So, what exactly happens inside this lab? In layman's terms, it's a hub for diagnostic testing of plant diseases, insects, snails, and weeds. The focus is on identifying invasive species that could threaten local ecosystems and agriculture. “Every year, we participate in early detection pest surveys,” explains Telissa Wilson, WSDA Pest Biologist. “In the summer, our team is scattered across Washington State sampling sick trees, setting insect traps, and processing those samples to detect potential threats. Our lab is also just a piece of a larger network of statewide detection surveys, operated by other staff under the pest program.” 

Right now, field workers are trapping spongy moths to predict the potential severity of an infestation. Early trappings have been notably high, suggesting that more spraying in hot spots will be necessary to manage the outbreak of these moths. 

But seasonal surveys are just one aspect of the lab’s work. They also handle year-round projects funded by federal grants, such as research on the northern giant hornet and phytoplasma diseases, which are bacteria-like organisms that cause illnesses in plants. On top of that they perform regulatory testing for export certification, mainly on grain for pathogens, reviewing samples year-round.

Washington's unique challenges

Washington's geographical and climatic conditions present both opportunities and challenges. Washington is sandwiched between Canada’s largest port of Metro Vancouver and the Port of Portland. The Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma combined are the third largest container complex in North America. These ports, our large international border, and a temperate climate positions the state as a prime entry point for invasive species.

Every year invasive species are detected at our ports and across the state, and the lab, along with other pest program scientists, work hard to prevent their establishment.

The lab's advanced features, like positive and negative airflow rooms, set it apart. These clean rooms, equipped with HEPA filters, are essential for maintaining the integrity of tests and preventing contamination.

Another thing that makes the lab unique is the breadth of work that’s being conducted.

“We’re probably in the top five state Department of Agriculture diagnostic labs in the country,” Wilson asserts. Few state department of agriculture labs in the country handle such a breadth of sample types from plant pathogens, insects, mollusks, to even weeds. The lab performs a wide array of diagnostics as well, from more traditional microscopy to using advanced molecular methods such as next generation sequencing. For example, if Egyptian grasshoppers from the southwest need molecular confirmation, this lab in Washington can confirm their presence. While the other side the lab can test for Phragmites, an invasive aquatic grass.

Nathan Chambers, WSDA’s natural science scientist, explains, “We’re not just running routine tests. We’re designing synthetic controls, validating assays, and tackling problems that other labs might not even touch.”

A prime example is the northern giant hornet, known colloquially as the “murder hornet.” The PPMDL confirmed the identification made by WSDA entomologists well ahead of USDA, allowing more time for eradication efforts. If the entomologists hadn’t acted swiftly when this invasive species was first detected, it could have wreaked havoc on bee populations, which are crucial pollinators of a third of our food crops. “If we had missed the eradication or containment, the cost would have been enormous. It could have impacted food security possibly on a national level,” Falacy said. 

Labs like this are a cornerstone in protecting our food systems. It ensures that pests and diseases are identified early so they can be managed before they can do significant harm. 

As WSDA tackles the complexities of agricultural science and pest management, Washingtonians can find some reassurance in knowing that a dedicated team is consistently monitoring the situation year after year.

“If we lose funding, it can take years to regain that level of expertise again. The unique work we do is not only a valuable asset for our state but also for our country and its food supply,” Falacy said.

Early detection matters

While the lab works behind the scenes, Agricultural Technologist Walker Hedrick is out in the field conducting vital pest surveys. Although he works for the lab, a key aspect of his role involves hands-on fieldwork. On a misty Wednesday morning, Walker starts his day by inspecting traps in Pierce County, his first of four stops.

Walker primarily targets community gardens and small farms, which are especially susceptible to pest introductions. Walker explains, “These gardens and farms can host a much more diverse range of crops compared to large monoculture farms, making them prime targets for pest issues.” The traps Walker is using today are specifically designed to catch pests like the summer fruit tortrix moth, which targets fruits such as apples, plums, and pears. Identifying these pests early helps manage them before they cause significant damage.

“Prevention is so much easier and so much cheaper than removal or disposal later on,” says Walker.

Pests can arrive through various pathways—contaminated soil, transported plants, or by hitching rides on vehicles. Walker focuses mainly on high-traffic areas like the I-5 corridor. “The likelihood of introductions is higher in these areas due to the increased movement of people and goods.”

Walker Hedrick’s fieldwork, paired with the lab’s rigorous testing, exemplifies a crucial partnership in protecting agriculture. His hands-on observations provide the real-world data that informs the lab’s analysis, identifying threats that might be missed otherwise. This integration forms a comprehensive defense system, offering immediate protection and continually improving our preparedness for future challenges.