(a) It shall be the duty of the State Plant Board, and the board is authorized and directed, when public safety will permit, to make and promulgate rules which shall permit and govern the growing and maintenance in any zones or areas mentioned in § 2-16-307 of any plants, plant products, articles, substances, or places referred to in § 2-16-307.
(b) Whenever it shall be ascertained and determined by the board that any plants, plant products, articles, substances, or places are infested or infected or are so situated as to be subject to infestation or infection by a dangerous insect pest or plant disease, and thereby capable of spreading the infestation or infection, the board shall require the treatment, cutting, or destruction of the plants, plant products, articles, substances, or places.
(c) If the owner, custodian, or occupant of the plants, plant products, articles, substances, or places referred to in this section cannot be found or shall, upon reasonable notice, fail or refuse to comply with the requirements of this subchapter, the requirements shall be carried out by the board and the expense thereof charged against the owner, custodian, or occupant.