The New Jersey Forest Service and the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory are conducting a survey for the Oak Wilt pathogen during the 2022 growing season. We are interested in finding the pathogen in New Jersey and learning about possible suspect trees. Samples from suspect trees may be submitted directly by residential clients and owners as well as from commercial arborists and landscape professionals for testing Digital photos of suspect trees may be submitted to the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory at: RutgersPDL@njaes.rutgers.edu Note: We will contact you if the tree does not meet our criteria for testing.

Instructions for Collecting and Shipping the Sample(s): From one or more living branches on each suspicious tree exhibiting foliar symptoms, collect a minimum of three (3) branch segments that are 6 to 12 inches long and a minimum of 1/2 inch diameter but not more than 2 inches in diameter. Bag each sample separately and provide a unique identification for each sample. Please indicate "Oak Wilt Survey" on your submission. Please include 5-20 symptomatic (scorched) leaves or pencil sized branches with symptomatic leaves attached. Leaves should be dry/free of moisture and placed in a separate self-sealing plastic bag. The leaves are used to screen for bacterial leaf scorch Place the suspect samples in doubled plastic bags and sealed for shipment, and shipped in a secure container such as a sturdy cardboard boX, mailing tube, or Styrofoam container. Samples should be shipped via overnight delivery service or promptly delivered to the diagnostic facility on the Cook Campus. Laboratory contact information can be found here: www.niaes.rutgers.edu/plantdiagnosticlab