(a) There are important diseases and pathogens that currently cannot be included in the program because valid and reliable testing methods and practical testing protocols do not exist for determining their absence from citrus trees intended for use as registered sources of citrus propagative stock. Important diseases and pathogens that threaten the citrus industry shall be included in the program within 45 days after valid and reliable diagnostic protocols have been developed and proven to be efficient and effective for the purpose of ensuring that citrus trees registered as sources of citrus propagative stock are tested and determined to be free of the diseases and pathogens.
(b) Criteria relative to the proven efficiency and effectiveness of disease diagnostics for the pathogens described in subdivision (a) shall include adequate diagnostics capacity to perform the required testing and its economic feasibility and practicality.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 639, Sec. 2. (SB 140) Effective November 2, 2009.)