Abstract: A method and kit for extracting fungus from a plant. An extraction solution is combined with tissue from a plant and the combination is agitated, preferably by shaking, to extract a detectable amount of the fungus from the plant. The extraction solution is a solution containing a dilute acid and a detergent. The extract can then be neutralized without degradation of the fungus and subjected to analysis by immunoassay to detect the presence of pathogenic fungi. The method is particularly useful for the detection of Pyricularia oryzae on rice plants.