How Plant Diagnostics Are Changing the Way We Fight Crop Disease

What really happens after you send a plant sample to the lab, and how does it impact what happens back in the field?

In this episode of Outstanding in Your Field, the team sits down with Corteva Plant Pathology Technology Lead Krystel Navarro to pull back the curtain on the diagnostic lab and the critical role it plays in modern agriculture. From identifying crop diseases with molecular precision to supporting product development and protecting yields, this conversation explores how science, speed, and field expertise come together to solve real-world challenges.

Krystal shares her journey from hydroponic farming roots in Puerto Rico to leading a cutting-edge pathology lab. She explains how advanced diagnostics help distinguish between lookalike diseases, guide management decisions, and even shape the future of seed development. The discussion also dives into real-world examples—like tracking emerging corn diseases—and highlights how collaboration between labs, agronomists, and farmers leads to better outcomes across the industry.

Outstanding in Your Field is the podcast created for farmers and powered by Pioneer Agronomy—bringing you trusted insights and proven solutions to fuel forward-thinking farming.

Hosted by agronomists Brian Schrader (eastern Indiana), Carl Joern (northwest Indiana/northeast Illinois), and Crystal Williams (northern Illinois), this show delivers timely, practical agronomic advice you can apply directly to your fields across the Eastern Corn Belt.