Information and Diagnostic Office

The Information and Diagnostic Office is part of the Valley Laboratory of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor, CT. This Office assists citizens with a wide range of issues related to plants, plant pathogens, weeds, insects and other arthropods that affect the condition of plants, landscapes, structures, or human health.  Examples of our services include identification of plants, insects and ticks; diagnosis of plant diseases; and providing information regarding agronomy, horticulture, tree care, and management of pests (insects, plant pathogens, weeds, and animals).  Services are provided to homeowners, gardeners, commercial growers, professional landscapers, arborists, pest control operators, etc. 

Ms. Rose T. Hiskes is responsible for the Inquiry Office. The office is located on the lower level of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s Valley Laboratory at 153 Cook Hill Rd., Windsor, CT 06095. Business hours are: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Samples can be submitted in person or by mail. Diagnosis involves visual assessment, microscopic examination, and other procedures as necessary.

Questions or requests for information can be made by phone, fax, email or in person.

For more information:

Ms. Rose T. Hiskes
Inquiry Office
Valley Laboratory
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
153 Cook Hill Rd., PO Box 248
Windsor, CT 06095

Phone: (860) 683-4977
Fax: (860) 683-4987
Email:  Rose.Hiskes@ct.gov

How to Collect and Submit Samples

1. Collect fresh specimens. Send or bring a generous amount of material, if available.
2. Ship or bring in crush proof containers immediately after collecting. If mailing or shipping, try to time it to arrive during the business week.
3. Incomplete information or poor specimens may result in an inaccurate diagnosis or inappropriate management suggestions. Damaged or dead specimens are often unidentifiable and requests for additional samples can cause delays.
4. If possible, provide complete background information about the specimen(s) or sample(s). A form to accompany samples is available upon request from this office or from The Experiment Station website.

Mailing Address:
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Valley Laboratory Inquiry Office
PO Box 248
Windsor, CT 06095

Physical Address (for office visits, UPS, FedEx, etc.):
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Valley Laboratory Inquiry Office
153 Cook Hill Rd.
Windsor, CT 06095