OAR 603-052-0328: Klamath County Mint Disease Control Area Order

(1) As authorized by ORS 570.405 to 570.415, a control area is established for the protection of the mint industry in Klamath County, Oregon, against the introduction and spread of Verticillium wilt disease caused by pathogens Verticillium spp. Such area includes all of Klamath County, Oregon. (2) The following methods are to be used in the control area described in section (1) of this rule, to prevent the introduction of and control the spread of Verticillium wilt disease in the control area: (a) Mint propagation material imported into the control area for production of new mint fields shall be limited to greenhouse-grown, nuclear generation rooted tip cuttings certified by the Oregon State University Seed Certification Program; certified by similar official certification programs in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, or Washington; or other Department-approved official certification programs of a comparable level; (b) All mint root stocks planted within the control area must be certified in accordance with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, be certified by the Oregon State University Seed Certification Program in Klamath County as Field Class IV or better root stocks, or have been inspected by the Department in accordance with subsection (f) of this section; (c) All farm equipment used in the commercial production of mint must be cleaned free of soil and plant debris using methods approved by Oregon State University or the Department prior to entering the control area; (d) Mint growers shall provide the Department with complete maps showing the location of all mint fields, and whether they were planted with certified or noncertified root stocks. The source of certification or inspection shall be shown for each field planted; (e) Mint growers shall retain documentation of the sources of mint root stocks for any new plantings. New plantings shall be mapped and the maps submitted to the Department on or before June 15 of each year that this control area Order is in effect; and (f) The Department shall inspect mint fields not eligible for Oregon State University certification for the presence of Verticillium wilt symptoms upon a request of the grower. Such requests shall be mailed to the Department on or before June 15. Phytosanitary certificates shall be issued only for those fields found free of Verticillium wilt symptoms and inspected after June 15 and prior to harvest of the mint for oil production. The Department shall assess the established site charges for time and mileage for any suc h inspections. (3) Violation: Any violation of this Order shall be deemed to be in violation of ORS 570.410 and subject the violator to the penalty provisions of ORS 570.990. Additionally, any mint stock found to be in violation of this Order shall be destroyed or disposed of in a manner prescribed by the Department. (4) Review: This control area order will be reviewed beginning in the first quarter of 1999 by the Department, Oregon State University, mint growers, mint oil companies and other interested parties.