Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 21 - Agriculture and Land Stewardship Department
Chapter 46 - Crop Pests
Rule 21-46.11 - Storage and Display

(1) Balled and burlapped stock shall be kept moist at all times and shall be kept in sawdust, shingle tow, peat, sphagnum moss or other moisture-holding material not toxic to plants, of sufficient depth to cover the top of the ball of earth.

(2) Container stock shall be watered sufficiently to maintain the viability and vigor of the stock. Potting soil shall be maintained at a depth so as to cover all roots of the plants.

(3) Bare-root stock shall be kept under conditions of temperature and moisture to retard etiolated or otherwise abnormal growth and maintain viability. Moisture must be supplied to the root system by high humidity conditions in storage or by covering the roots with soil, sawdust, peat, wood shavings or other moisture-holding materials not toxic to plants. Such material is to be kept moist at all times. Roots of healed-in stock must be covered with well packed soil at least one inch above the crown of the plant.

(4) Stock with roots packaged in moisture-retaining plastic, peat, wood shavings or other material not toxic to plants must be stored and displayed under conditions that will retard etiolated or otherwise abnormal growth and will ensure an adequate supply of moisture to the roots at all times.

(5) Nursery stock offered for sale or movement at locations with hard surfaced areas, such as concrete or asphalt parking lots, must not be in constant, direct contact with the hard surfaced area; but must be so displayed that the roots of the stock are protected from excessive heat, drying, or other adverse conditions associated with contact from hard surfaced areas.