Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
Introduction
The Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging System at the University of Tennessee,
Agricultural Extension Service will allow text based information and digital images to be submitted from
county Extension offices for rapid diagnosis by resource professionals at the Plant and Pest Diagnostic
Center, in Nashville. County Extension faculty are trained to submit plant disease or pest images and
information using digital cameras, microscopes, computers and the internet. The system uses conventional
software and hardware proven to be effective and reliable.
Imaging stations have been distributed geographically in county Extension offices across
Tennessee. Additional stations will
be placed in other counties as funding becomes available. Distance Diagnosis will reduce
diagnostic turn-around time from an average of four days to one day when compared to sending physical
specimens through postal mail. Digital images of plant disease, insect and weed pests can be uploaded to
the Distance Diagnosis web page and diagnosed within one hour in emergency situations. Diagnostic
responses will be provided on the internet, or by phone, FAX or email.
Project Benefits
- Agribusiness enterprises that depend on timely pest identification, save money as they are able
to respond quickly to emerging disease, insect or weed outbreaks.
- County Extension agents will strengthen their diagnostic skills and become more valuable resources in
their communities.
- A library of images is currently being constructed and will serve as a crop
pest profile
reference library. This will be available as an educational resource for Extension
agents, undergraduate
and graduate students, farmers, nursery workers, landscapers, golf course superintendents, pest management
professionals and master gardeners.
- Distance Diagnosis utilizes the expertise of faculty located across the state. These
faculty members work with various disciplines and their expertise helps improve accuracy and efficiency of
diagnostic responses.
Special arrangements will be required for individuals, consultants or commercial organizations requesting
disease diagnosis or pest identification on large numbers of samples. Charges will need to be determined
in advance of these submissions.
For more information concerning this program contact: dhensley@utk.edu or awindha1@utk.edu