Virginia Administrative Code
Title 2 - AGRICULTURE
Agency 10 - STATE CERTIFIED SEED BOARD
Chapter 10 - RULES AND REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF SEEDS AND OTHER MATERIALS USED FOR PLANT PROPAGATION PURPOSES
Part II - Certification Standards for Specific Crops
Section 2VAC10-10-190 - Turfgrass sod certification standards

1. The general standards as adopted in this chapter are basic and apply to turfgrass sod.

2. Only fields planted with foundation, registered or certified seed that meet sod seed requirements will be eligible for certification.

3. Only those varieties, kinds or mixtures of kinds of varieties recommended by the Virginia Tech Extension Division will be eligible for certification.

1. All fields for the production of certified sod shall be inspected prior to planting unless they have been producing certified sod.

2. Have field boundaries designated at the time of inspection.

3. Fields will need to be free of prohibited noxious weeds as defined by the state sod law.

4. File with the Virginia Crop Improvement Association the number of acres and kinds of mixtures for all fields intended for certification the year the field is established.

5. An aerial photo of the farm or other suitable farm plans shall be filed with the Virginia Crop Improvement Association.

1. Field inspection. At least one annual field inspection shall be made prior to lifting and subsequent inspections may be made as needed at the discretion of the inspector. Fields will have to be in a certifiable condition at the time of lifting.

2. Management. A field for the production of certified sod shall show evidence of good management including weed control, fertilization and proper clipping. Virginia Tech publication MA-130 will be used as a guide for the management program.

3. Isolation. A certified turf field shall be separated from other sod by a strip at least 10 feet wide and maintained free of objectionable weeds. The field shall have good general appearance, and poor appearance will be sufficient reason for rejecting the field for certification. Certification can be revoked where certified standards are not maintained.

1. Standards for other varieties or off-type plants of the same species; other turfgrass species, other crops, and weeds recognizable are as indicated in the following table.

2. Labeling requirements. All certified sod shall have an official certification label accompanying each load and the label shall be attached to a dated invoice or labeling information.

3. Records. Records shall be kept on the number and date of issuance of certification labels.