The Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce shall keep himself informed as to known varieties of insect pests, diseases and noxious weeds, their origin, locality, nature and appearance thereof, the manner in which they are disseminated, and approved methods of treatment and eradication.

The Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, in his rules and regulations made pursuant to this article, shall list the insect pests, diseases and noxious weeds, of which he shall find that the introduction into, or the dissemination within, this state should be prevented in order to safeguard the environment, agricultural and horticultural production and the plants and plant products of this state, together with the plants and plant products and other things likely to become infested or infected with such insect pests, diseases and noxious weeds. Every such insect pest, disease and noxious weed listed, and every plant and plant product and other thing infected therewith, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. Every person who has knowledge of the presence of any insect pest, disease or noxious weed listed, as required by this section, in the rules and regulations made pursuant to this article, in or upon any place, shall immediately report same to the commissioner or an inspector therefor giving such detailed information relative thereto as he may have. Every person who deals in or engages in the sale of plants and plant products or other things infested or infected, or likely to be or become so shall furnish to the commissioner or his inspectors, when requested, a statement of the names and addresses of the persons from whom and the localities where he purchased or obtained such plants and plant products, and other things infested or infected, or likely to be or become so.