The Plant Industry currently consists of ten plant protection specialists who receive intensive training in recognizing plant pests and diseases. They are responsible for inspecting thousands of nurseries and nursery stock dealers, for servicing a network of thousands of insect traps, performing numerous survey activities, and for certifying plants for movement intrastate, interstate, and abroad.
When a pest or disease is discovered, samples of the suspicious material are sent to Auburn University for diagnosis by the Departments of Entomology, Nematology, or Plant Pathology. These departments consist of scientists, laboratory technicians, and other support personnel who identify and process samples sent in by inspectors.