The production of crucifer vegetable seed is an important industry in Washington state. The economic well-being of that industry is threatened by the introduction of crucifer seed infected with certain bacterial and fungal pathogens. In addition, certain crucifer species produce dormant seed that, if present in a seed lot will persist into subsequent cropping years. The resulting "volunteer" plants have the potential to become established as weeds in Washington state.

The director has determined that a quarantine is needed to protect the Washington crucifer vegetable seed, biofumigant and oil seed industries from the introduction of seed from areas known to be infected with black leg of crucifers and black rot and from the introduction of crucifer seed containing dormant seed. The quarantine will provide the seed growers in this state with sources of crucifer seed that have been tested and proven to be free from black leg and black rot and free from dormant seed.