I know they do stuff like that all the time here at the University of FL. You can watch stuff for them...send them in stuff...let them do stuff to you. I know the state does something on their own, my SIL inspects Nicole Harrys garden and my BIL inspects Pete Harrys, apparently they and the other inspectors bring stuff in to be tested and studied as well. They too work with the university system.
Im curious what researchers you asked about it, that had not heard of rust studies. Altho, it seems a total waste to research rust in climates where it dies back in the winter anyway. Im sure you all have your share of problem things as well. So goes life.
