Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 15 - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Subtitle 08 - TURF AND SEED
Chapter 15.08.03 - Seed Certification
Section 15.08.03.07 - Field Inspection Procedures
Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 6, March 22, 2024
A. The certifying agency shall make at least one inspection of each field at a time when genetic purity can best be determined. The field shall be in a condition that permits an inspection to determine genetic purity (see certification requirements for each crop as provided by this chapter).
B. If a representative of the certifying agency has not inspected the field within 72 hours of anticipated harvest, the grower shall notify the certifying agency by telephone and request inspection.
C. The certifying agency shall notify the applicant within 72 hours of the date a small grain field for certification is to be inspected. The applicant shall then advise the agency whether or not any pesticide has been or will be applied to the field within 48 hours of the date the field is to be inspected. The applicant shall declare the name of the pesticide that has been or will be applied. An inspection may not be conducted until notification has been received from the applicant.
D. A crop may not be harvested until the applicant has a copy of the field inspection report to verify that the field has been inspected.
E. A field harvested before inspection by the certifying agency is not eligible for certification.
F. Before inspection, the applicant should rogue each field for off-types, other crops, and weeds that otherwise would cause a field to be rejected for certification.
G. Each field shall meet the land requirements for the crop being certified (see certification requirements for each crop as provided by this chapter).
H. A field that fails to meet certification standards for varietal purity, other crops, or certain weeds may be rogued and the applicant may request a reinspection. A field shall be reinspected after it is rogued of weeds or other crops, but before the field is harvested. The agency shall charge the applicant a reinspection fee.
