Department of Agriculture
Ken Givens, Commissioner

Within Plant Certification reside the nursery, greenhouse, and plant dealer certification programs which involve a staff of plant inspectors who work with industries to (1) ensure the continued movement of healthy, pest-free plant material in interstate and international trade, and (2) monitor the phytosanitary condition of plant material coming into the state. Some of the pests of major concern include gypsy moths, imported fire ants, Japanese beetles and boll weevils which threaten Tennessee's forests, nurseries and major crops. A renewed apiary initiative is engaging battle with Varroa and tracheal mites which are currently decimating the honeybee population in the state.