(1) The department will conduct a minimum of two field inspections of registered and certified mint planting stock at times when plants are likely to express symptoms or damage from verticillium wilt, mint root borer, mint flea beetle, mint stem borer, strawberry root weevil, root knot nematode and root lesion nematode. Additional inspections and tests may be conducted if they are judged necessary by the department.

(a) The department will conduct the first field inspection in or about July. The department will analyze samples for tomato spotted wilt virus, impatiens necrotic spot virus and potato virus Y.

(b) The department will conduct the second field inspection in or about late September. The department will analyze samples of feeder roots from each acre for root knot nematode and root lesion nematode. Samples of stolons will be collected and examined for mint root borers. The department will note the presence of noxious weeds.

(2) The department will inspect certified and registered mint planting stock after harvest.

(3) All inspections and analyses performed by the department under provisions of this chapter are charged in compliance with provisions of chapter 16-470 WAC.

(4) The department will issue an inspection certificate for each inspection. The inspection certificate will note the presence of pests detected by analysis or visual inspection and, when possible, the level of infestation. Inspection certificates will be furnished to the grower, and copies will be available upon request to any other person.

(5) It is the responsibility of the grower to notify the department before mint hay is cut, so that the required inspections can be performed.

(6) Certification may be denied if the department is unable to complete the required field or post harvest inspections.