Pathogen Testing Equipment (IMAGE) Washington State University Caption This simple on-site equipment uses a polymerase chain reaction technique to let farmers do cheap, fast and accurate on-site soil testing for crop-damaging pathogens. Credit Washington State University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.