4 TAC §20.22
The Texas Department of Agriculture (the department) adopts
an amendment to §20.22(a), concerning cotton stalk destruction deadlines,
without changes to the proposal published in the August 8, 2003, issue of
the
Texas Register
(28 TexReg 6157). The amendment
is adopted to change the cotton stalk destruction deadline for pest management
zone 7 (zone 7) from November 30 to October 31 of each year, upon the recommendation
of the zone's advisory committee. The cotton producer advisory committee for
zone 7 recommended changing the stalk destruction deadline from November 30
to October 31 at its meeting held in Bryan, Texas on November 22, 2002. The
amendment is also adopted to further the absence of hostable cotton plants
for additional duration. The absence of fruiting structures for an additional
month will further curtail the boll weevil reproduction, which will greatly
aid in control and eradication of this destructive pest.
No comments were received on the proposal.
The amendment to §20.22 is adopted in accordance with the
Texas Agriculture Code (the Code), §74.006 which provides the department
with the authority to adopt rules as necessary for the effective enforcement
and administration of Chapter 74; and the Code, §74.004 which provides
the department with the authority to establish regulated areas, dates and
appropriate methods of destruction of stalks, other cotton parts and products
of host plants for cotton pests.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on December 23, 2003.
TRD-200308879
Dolores Alvarado Hibbs
Deputy General Counsel
Texas Department of Agriculture
Effective date: January 12, 2004
Proposal publication date: August 8, 2003
For further information, please call: (512) 463-4075