Planting Site

(1) Fields offered for the growing of certified virus-free Malus, Pvrus and Prunus spp. must not have been in Malus, Pyrus or Prunus spp. within the preceding two (2) years, or in soybeans within die preceding three (3) years. Fields must be essentially free of harmful insects, nematodes and diseases. Malus or Pyrus spp. that are being grown for certified virus-free trees must be maintained at a minimum distance of one hundred and fifty (150) feet and Prunus spp. five hundred (500) feet from non-certified sources, with a fifteen (15) foot clean cultivated border around the block. (2) Virus-free rootstock will be planted in soil known to be apparently free of virus-vector nematodes or other plant parasitic nematodes. Fields offered for growing Malus, Pyrus and Prunus spp. as virus- free for certification will be sampled for nematodes by the Department’s Division of Plant Industries personnel prior to plant site approval and again during tile growing season. Fields found infested with virus-vector nematodes will not be eligible. (3) Fields infested with plant parasitic pests shall be treated prior to planting with an approved pesticide if it is deemed necessary by the Director. (4) Fields offered for Malus. Pyrus. or Prunus spp. virus-free certification production must be maintained essentially free of weeds and grasses.