Neglected or abandoned apple, grape, kiwi, nectarine, peach, pear, or plum orchards which, because of their infestation with pests, or because of other conditions, constitute a menace to the fruitgrowing industry of the State, or which are host plants of or provide a favorable and likely harbor for pests, are public nuisances and it is unlawful to maintain them. All remedies which are or may be given for the prevention or abatement of nuisances apply to the orchards. Whenever the State Crop Pest Commission determines by inspection that there exists a condition which constitutes a nuisance on any property within its jurisdiction, it shall report the property to the circuit solicitor, naming the pests or other conditions which in its opinion are dangerous to the fruitgrowing industry and if its findings justify it, state in the report that the removal or destruction of the neglected or abandoned orchard trees are the best means for elimination of the menace.
The State Crop Pest Commission through its designee, the Division of Regulatory and Public Service Programs, may promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 3-141; 1952 Code Section 3-141; 1947 (45) 246; 1985 Act No. 48 Section 1; 1989 Act No. 80, Section 1, eff May 15, 1989.