Properly package the sample, form, and payment. For proper diagnosis or identification, specimens must be received in good condition. Ship packages to Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. See Laboratory Location page for address.
Sample Submission Forms and Instructions
Sample submission forms can be downloaded by selecting the appropriate form link below. Forms are in PDF format. There are seven distinct forms.
- Completely fill out the submission form. Accurate diagnosis requires both a representative sample and sufficient information about the cultural practices, environmental conditions, location, etc. associated with the problem. Photographs are helpful when they accompany a physical sample. Print and include photos with your sample or email them to rutgerspdl@rutgers.edu. The lab will not attempt an accurate diagnosis or identification from photos alone—they must be associated with a physical sample.
- Collect the appropriate sample. Carefully follow the directions on the submission form. Whole plants work best.
- Properly package the sample, form, and payment. For proper diagnosis or identification, specimens must be received in good condition.
How to Submit Samples
To have your sample tested by the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, there are two options to send in samples, along with the submission form below.
You can drop off the sample at our location on the G. H. Cook Campus. See Laboratory Location page for address and directions.
- Turfgrass (349k PDF)
Athletic Fields, Golf Courses, Lawns, Sod Farms, etc. - Landscape, Home Grounds, and Garden (659k PDF)
Ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, perennials, etc. and vegetable plants from any landscape, garden, interior-scape, etc. - Commercial Growers (514k PDF)
Farms, Greenhouses, Nurseries, etc. Sod Growers, please use the Turfgrass form. - Nematode Soil Assay (221k PDF)
- Insect and Tick Identification (601k PDF)
Not intended for use with suspected insect pest problems associated with plants. Instead, please use the appropriate Landscape, Turfgrass, or Commercial Growers form. For Household, Storage, Structural, etc. insect pest ID only. - Plant Identification (558k PDF)
- Fungus and Mold Identification (617k PDF)
Not intended for use with suspected fungal diseases of plants. Instead, please use the appropriate Landscape, Turfgrass, or Commercial Growers form. For Mushroom and Mold ID only.