A soil test for pH, etc., will not be the same test that looks for nematodes. Nematodes might not even be an issue in your area, and/or your extension system might not even offer a homeowner test for them. I'd call and find out. If 'yes' on both counts, they will give you explicit directions about how, when, and where to gather a sample for proper testing. The amount you collect and how you treat the sample is quite different. Basamid is a chemical soil sterilant, suitable for the fumigation of soil prior to planting anything. Yes, it probably does do a number on nematodes, but will also kill your grass, plants, and anything living in or near the treated area. IF you could even purchase it (which you can't), it would not be the right option. I merely suggested nematodes as a possibility. Worthy of inquiring about, but I wouldn't worry about it too awfully much.

IMO, that looks very much like a water issue. Too much and too little can have very similar symptoms but in my experience, once they start looking like this, they don't really recover. While I am not saying that conifers don't get transplant shock - they can - it is just not all that common and like with many common conifer problems, can take some time before it shows up. Although I know Ken will cringe at the thought, a lot of planting goes on in summer here and I have rarely seen transplant shock an issue on a newly planted conifer. Water problems, yes. Root problems, yes. I'd check those first. And hoping a warranty is available also.

I don't know for certain, but in the past what I have done is over water and stimulate a fungus. The fungus appears as if the plant is starving for water: they look wilted. Once it starts it's already too late. I think about plants like this. fuzzy leaves do not like to get wet. Zinnias do not like to get wet in the evenings. Vinca hate my soil. All are fungus related problems. sorry....the only petunias I ave successfully grown for any period of time are the lavendar self seeding variety. They are old and not extraordinary other than the fact that they live in my yard c

Bkay, I'm so sorry to hear about your website! That is quite the setback - I can only hope the negative aspects are minimized time-wise until you can establish another one. It is sad to think that there is someone out there that derives pleasure from such a wilful act of malevolence. As to the results you received from Texas A&M, I am relieved to hear you have answers. I appreciate your diligence in sharing this information with the rest of the hosta forum community and keeping us in the loop. We can only benefit... albeit from your misfortune. Thank you. It has been a challenging year for you, to say the least but you doggedly pursued answers and all that diligence has paid off. (There is irony in that comment :( ) Here's to a better growing year in 2016! You've got all of us rooting for you! (pardon the pun, lol). All the best, Bkay!