(1) If a crucifer seed lot has not been tested to determine if it is free of the regulated diseases as required in WAC 16-301-530 and 16-301-531, and the quantity of seed in the lot is too small for pathology testing to be practical, it must be planted in a trial ground.

(2) Trial grounds may be established for the purposes of, but not limited to, variety maintenance, variety development or other related research.

(3)(a) Trial grounds must be inspected by the department under the phytosanitary inspection program.

(b) Due dates for trial ground inspection applications are as follows:

(i) For western Washington:

(A) Fall plantings application due date is April 15th; and

(B) Spring plantings application due date is June 1st;

(ii) For eastern Washington:

(A) Fall plantings application due date is April 15th; and

(B) Spring plantings application due date is twenty-one days after planting.

(4)(a) Trial grounds must be isolated from crucifer seed production fields according to the standards set in "Isolating Seed Fields in the Columbia Basin of Washington" published by the Washington State University (WSU) Extension or the standards established by the department, whichever distances are greater. In addition, any trial grounds located in the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project crucifer seed production zone must meet all the requirements of that zone including, but not limited to, minimum isolation distances.

(b) Copies of this publication can be obtained by contacting a WSU extension office.

(5) The maximum planting in a trial ground is:

(a) One pound per variety for crucifer seed; and

(b) One-half acre for crucifer transplants.