Sampling For Phytophthora Ramorum

In many cases, laboratory verification of infection with Phytophthora ramorum will be necessary to distinguish this disease from other disorders. It should be noted that homeowners, landowners, and untrained professionals should not sample potentially infected trees because of the risk of spreading the disease. Trained professionals should be contacted when a possible site of infestation has been identified. For instructions on sampling Phytophthora ramorum, reference Sudden Oak Death: Diagnosis and Management. It should be noted that all tools should be treated with 70% ethanol, Lysol (Brand Name), or 10% household bleach before and after sampling. Flaming of tools is recommended before sampling and when sampling between plants. All tools should also be treated with one of these cleaning agents between pruning cuts on landscape plants and when sampling or pruning different plants (10).

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Last Modified: 11/19/2007